Public Policy in Legalist Thought and Its Application and Impact in Contemporary China

The Legalism is one of the most influential and representative political philosophies of ancient China, and it has continued to have an enduring influence on public policy making and the governance model of contemporary China. This article will explore the sustained influence of Legalism on governance in contemporary China by exploring the core principles of Legalism as well as its main ideas on public policy and governance. The main core principles and ideas of Legalism are: the rule of law, strict adherence to the law, and the strategic use of state power. This study aims to highlight the continuity of ancient philosophical thought in shaping the current political landscape, while also demonstrating and emphasising the importance of understanding these historical origins in order to understand Chinese governance patterns.