1 Introduction

The importance of cultural exchange between the East and the West from the 16th to the 19th century was discussed, emphasizing cross-cultural phenomena such as the "spread of Western learning to the East", "transmission of Eastern learning to the West", and "China fever". At the same time, the impact of European intellectual revolutions such as the Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment on Chinese culture was analyzed, especially the role of Confucianism in the European social intellectual revolution. Exploring the interaction between the European Enlightenment and Confucianism, with the aim of promoting exchange and reference between different civilizations, exploring Confucian cultural elements in traditional European thought, and understanding contemporary European policies from an ideological and cultural perspective to promote the development of China Europe relations.

2 Elements of Confucianism in European Enlightenment Thought

The Confucianism of 18th century China had a significant impact on the Enlightenment thought in Europe. French Enlightenment thinkers generally praised China, and Confucianism provided them with theoretical materials and ideological weapons. The founder of the heavy agricultural school, Quesnay, was influenced by China's small-scale agricultural economy and advocated that agriculture is the source of national wealth, emphasizing the need to conform to the natural order. The Encyclopedic School advocates Confucius' strategy of "governing the country with virtue", believing that Confucianism belongs to the categories of political science and ethics, and emphasizing that governing the country with virtue is the foundation of national stability. Montesquieu holds a dialectical attitude towards the Confucian "ritual" culture in China, believing that "ritual" as a moral code has a normative effect on the behavior of the masses and helps maintain social order. These Confucian elements have had a profound impact on European Enlightenment thought and social development.

The Multiple Responses of Confucianism to Enlightenment Thought

In the late 19th century, the worship of China in Europe disappeared, and the Qing Dynasty was seen as backward. European Enlightenment ideas had an impact on Confucianism. The revival of "Jinwen Jing Xue" opposes the empty talk of "Song Xue" and the cumbersome nature of "Han Xue", and advocates for practical application. The trend of anti monarchy and anti feudalism was prevalent, consistent with European Enlightenment thought. Huang Zongxi and others criticized monarchic autocracy and advocated materialistic thinking. The national crisis and social crisis prompted the bourgeoisie to propose a plan for the reform and transformation of Confucianism. Kang Youwei advocated for a reinterpretation of Confucianism. Although the Wuxu Reform failed, it promoted the modernization of Confucianism.

The Contemporary Value of the Interaction between Enlightenment Thought and Confucianism

Explored the contemporary value of the interaction between Enlightenment and Confucianism in the context of cultural diversity and globalization in the 21st century. During the cultural exchanges between China and Europe from the 16th to the 19th century, Confucianism had an influence on European Enlightenment thinkers, while Enlightenment ideas also provided intellectual inspiration for China. In terms of economic policies, the emphasis on agriculture reflects the value orientation of protecting farmers' rights and pursuing social equity in both contemporary Europe and China. In social governance, some European countries have established institutions to supervise the ethical behavior of public officials, similar to the Chinese Commission for Discipline Inspection, which emphasizes the combination of law and ethics. In administrative management, both the European bureaucratic system and the Chinese civil service system require civil servants to "restrain themselves" and embody the moral pursuit of "wealth and good etiquette". These interactive influences are of great significance for the development of China Europe relations and the formation of value consensus.

5 Conclusion

The 'China fever' in Europe reflects the changes in European thought and the modernity of Chinese thought and culture. Early Enlightenment thinkers took China as an example and established a rational and progressive Enlightenment concept, which in turn influenced China's salvation movement and promoted the development of Confucianism. Chinese civilization and European civilization continue to develop through mutual learning. In the current unprecedented global changes and wave of cultural globalization, the global governance framework requires political, economic, and philosophical theoretical support from different civilizations. Promoting the integration of traditional political philosophies from the East and the West in global governance, constructing a global governance theory that takes into account the demands of all parties, resolves international disputes, and promotes peaceful development, is an important path to solving global problems such as frequent international conflicts, turbulent international environment, and chaotic international order. Civilization is enriched by mutual learning, and China and Europe should maintain healthy interaction, form more cultural consensus, and realize common values for all mankind.