Confucianism: The Chinese Philosophy with Broad East Asian Influence

Confucian philosophy is the Chinese intellectual tradition that spread deeply beyond China's borders. It became the ethical and political bedrock of:

• Korea (Joseon Dynasty state ideology)
• Japan (Tokugawa neo-Confucianism, modern corporate culture)
• Vietnam (imperial exams, family ethics)
• Singapore (Lee Kuan Yew's "Asian values" governance)
• Overseas Chinese communities worldwide

Core Tenets

Ren (benevolence), Li (ritual/propriety), Xiao (filial piety), Junzi (exemplary person), meritocratic governance.