China’s Tech Moguls Honored as ‘Pioneers’ of Reform and Opening

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By Charlotte Yang / Dec 18, 2018 12:41 PM / Politics & Law

Jack Ma of Alibaba (left) and Pony Ma of Tencent. Photo: VCG

Viewers of today’s high-profile gathering to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up will have noticed some familiar faces in the audience.

Alibaba’s Jack Ma, Tencent’s Pony Ma and Baidu’s Robin Li, the heads of China’s three prominent tech giants, were awarded by the state for their contributions to reform and opening-up.

In all, China acknowledged 100 people for their “outstanding contributions” to the development agenda Tuesday morning at Beijing’s Great Hall of People. Honorees included a wide range of people from scholars to diplomats and investors. Basketball player Yao Ming, scientist Yuan Longping and economist Yifu Lin were included.

Access the full list in Chinese here.

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