Xi Jinping Meets Top Chinese Business Leaders, Including Jack Ma
The rare meeting signals a potential shift in Beijing's approach to private enterprises as China faces economic challenges.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping held a significant meeting with leading private sector executives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
- Jack Ma, Alibaba's founder, attended the meeting, marking his return to prominence after years of strained relations with Chinese authorities following his 2020 criticism of financial regulators.
- Other participants included Ren Zhengfei of Huawei, Wang Chuanfu of BYD, and Zeng Yuqun of CATL, highlighting the focus on tech and innovation sectors.
- The meeting comes as China grapples with slowing economic growth, high youth unemployment, and weak consumer spending post-COVID-19 recovery.
- Analysts view the meeting as an effort to reassure private businesses of their role in China's economic development amidst past regulatory crackdowns.