Concepts of the state in a system of Ancient China philosophy and its contemporary relevance

The article discusses the main philosophical, political and legal doctrines of Chinese philosophy (reflected in the kanons of Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism, Taoism) about the essence of the state, ways of governing society, a social ideal. They were created in antiquity and continue to exert their influence in the modern period. We have carried out a comparative analysis of the views of ancient Chinese thinkers on an ideal ruler, an ideal state, the effectiveness of various methods of government. It has been substantiated that these concepts are significant for modern Chinese society, which is in a transformational period today. We have also made an attempt to trace the interplay of some modern concepts (using the concept of Chinese dream as an example) and traditional for Chinese society ideas about an ideal society and the most effective ways of governance.