BEIJING (Reuters)-A new, official and smiling image of Confuciushas sparked philosophical debate in China over whether itis neededand whether or not it looks anything like him.

Critics say the image, commissioned by the ChinaConfuciusFoundation and unveiled in a bronze statue at the weekend,isunabashed commercialism and that there is no way to tell ifitbears any resemblance to the philosopher, who was born in551BC.

Designers of the statue say that doesnt matter.

What matters is his founding of Confucianism,whichfeaturesharmony and peace and constitutes the essence of Chineseculture,Xinhua news agency on Monday quoted Zhang Shuhua,secretary-generalof the foundation, as saying.

The 225-cm (88-inch) bronze statue depicts Confucius as akind,old man with a square face, long beard, broad mouth andthickbrows. He wears a Chinese-style robe and his hands are crossedonhis chest.

The designers referred to the most recognisable portraitofConfucius that dates back at least 1,100 years, Xinhua said.