The uncertain reaction to Xi Jinping’s display of warmth made sense: Executives are eager for a reset after years in the cold but ever wary of meddling.

The once-sidelined Alibaba founder was among the executives who met with Xi Jinping, in what was seen as a show of support for private enterprise by Beijing.

Alibaba announced plans to invest billions in AI infrastructure. Founder Jack Ma recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Since the meeting, Alibaba's stock has

According to Chinese economic media sources like Chailianshe on the 24th, Daniel Zhang, chief executive officer (CEO) of Alibaba Group, revealed this plan. This not only exceeds the total amount Alibaba has invested in the sector over the past decade but also marks the largest AI investment among private corporations in China.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosted Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma and the country’s top tech executives in Beijing on Monday, in a meeting that signals officials could be steering the country in a more business-friendly direction after a yearslong regulatory crackdown.

Social media was abuzz with users praising Mr Ma for his return to the public spotlight. "Congratulations [Jack] Ma for the safe landing," said one user on Chinese social media platform Weibo. "The comeback of [Jack] Ma is a shot in the arm to the current Chinese economy," said another.

China's President Xi Jinping met top private sector entrepreneurs, including Alibaba's Jack Ma, signaling a policy change after strict regulations on

The life of Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba. He grew up poor in China and was rejected from multiple jobs before finding success in tech.

The Chinese president rarely chairs symposiums about the private sector and the event underscores the numerous challenges facing China Inc.

A potential encounter this week between President Xi Jinping and e-commerce icon Jack Ma, coming after a blistering run by tech shares, could be the next catalyst to extend the rally in China’s stocks.

The Chinese president’s symbolic handshake this week with exiled billionaire Jack Ma shows Beijing needs tech entrepreneurs to revive the economy.

China president Xi Jinping and captain of industry Jack Ma met on Feb. 17 and shook hands, an event that has apparently signalled a possible shift in the country's stance towards the tech industry. Xi said at the symposium meeting that efforts should be made to promote the healthy and high-quality development of the country's private sector.