Confucius rejects the idea of cooperation with non-benevolent rulers, and encourages actions of citizenship, independence and freedom of speech, criticism of government, the right to be dissident and resistance to arbitrary power. When the Way prevails in a State, speak boldly and act boldly. When the state has lost the Way act boldly and speak softly. However in his view this did not imply that the Chinese never claimed human rights. Indeed, he expressed the view that the idea of human rights developed very early in China and the right of the people to revolt against an oppressive ruler was established very early on.
Law is superior to the ruler.
Therefore when justice and rights are adjusted there is harmony. Where there is harmony, there is unity. Hsun-tzu, The Way of Kings, 3rd century BC, China. Buddhism has many deep-rooted traditions, benevolence, universalism, tolerance and freedom. These traditions are applied as the basis for individual action and in public ethics.