On the eve of the Third Plenary Session of the Chinese Communist Party, Alibaba founder Jack Ma was reported to have returned to China after a trip to the United Kingdom and made an appearance at Alibaba headquarters.
The news of “Jack Ma returning to China and appearing at Alibaba headquarters” hit the hot search list on mainland Chinese social media platforms on July 11.
On July 10, “C Technology” revealed that Jack Ma returned to China after his trip to London and visited Alibaba headquarters.
“Economic News” specializing in reporting economic news reported on July 9 that after spending several days sightseeing in London, Jack Ma returned to Hangzhou on July 6 and was seen at the Alibaba headquarters building.
A photo circulating online showed Jack Ma, wearing a blue shirt, being surrounded by onlookers at Alibaba headquarters in Hangzhou on July 6.
As a prominent figure in Chinese technology companies, Jack Ma’s every appearance attracts attention. In 2020, he faced suppression after criticizing Chinese regulatory authorities at the Shanghai Financial Summit, leading to heavy penalties for Alibaba and Ant Group. Since then, Jack Ma has rarely appeared in public. According to “Jiemian News,” the last time Jack Ma was seen in the public eye was on March 27.
At the end of 2021, Jack Ma left mainland China and was spotted in Japan, Spain, Australia, Thailand, and other countries. Rumors surfaced in 2023 that he had returned to China. In January of this year, reports emerged of Jack Ma appearing in Paris, France, sparking interest. Photos at the time showed his temples visibly graying and clear crow’s feet around his eyes.
Jack Ma’s return to China this time has once again stirred attention, especially with the upcoming Third Plenary Session of the Chinese Communist Party. Netizens commented, “Jack Ma is back, what does this signify?” “He was invited back by the country, nothing else.” “Hope this signals stability in employment.” “A sign of support for private capital at the Third Plenum.”
However, other individuals responded, “The return of Jack Ma in this era may not have much impact, as times have changed!” “It’s a pity, but it may not serve any purpose, given the internal and external challenges.”
In 2023, Reuters cited five informed sources stating that China’s new Premier Li Qiang had requested Jack Ma to return from overseas since late 2022. Li believed that Jack Ma’s return would help boost entrepreneurs’ business confidence.
Fraser Howie, a Wall Street expert with extensive experience in Asian analysis, commented that the laws and institutions established by the Chinese Communist Party to control the private sector remained unchanged. “Jack Ma has already been defeated. The Party-State has won, and Jack Ma has lost control, power, wealth, and these will not return.”
(translated and rewritten news article)