The Fortune magazine unveiled the world's top 500 for 2005 on July 12. Eighteen Chinese companies have gained places on the list, including 15 from the Chinese mainland, 2 based in China's Taiwan and 1 in Hong Kong SAR.

Sinopec is ranked the 31st with its 75.077 billion USD of turnover, the highest in Chinese companies on the list. The State Grid and China National Petroleum Corporation are also among the top 50.

The HK-based Hutchison Whampoa,Taiwan-based Hon Hai Precision Industry and CPC take the 347th, 371st and 402nd places respectively.

Wal-mart with nearly 288 billion USD of annual turnover secured its top position on the list for the 4th consecutive year, followed by BP and Exxon Mobile.

By People's Daily Online