The first real Confucian system may have been created by his disciples, or by 'their' disciples.

Therefore, they persuaded the imperial Chinese Government to undertake an ambitious program of reform, aimed at adapting the Confucian system to the modern world.

The Confucian ethical system that pervaded China long ago also preached about obligations the mighty owed to those they ruled.

The Confucian system differs very strongly from Kantian ethics in that there are rarely laws or principles which can be said to be true absolutely or universally.

"The Confucian system stresses obligations, not rights, and group spirit, not individualism," said Professor Wu.

The peaceful coexistence of Catholicism alongside the classical Confucian system of Vietnam was not to last.

Choe answered, "my country does not revere the Buddhist law, it honors only the Confucian system.

Moreover, even traditional Confucian systems recognize that rulers should be responsive to the needs of their subjects and accountable for their actions.

The old Confucian system could not absorb them.

The new government proved to be just and effective and represents a successful adaptation of the Chinese Confucian system of government outside of China.