China’s reform and innovation refresh TIME 100

Time Magazine has long been regarded as a barometer of western study and observation of China. In the early 1970s an observer once said that in the whole two decades since the foundation of People’s Republic of China, Time magazine had seen the oriental world through a perspective of prejudice and pessimism. After 1978, Times started to see and write about China with new attitude. At first, the stories were full of skepticism and pessimism, but they are now more of an affirmation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has been named by TIME Magazine as one of the World's 100 most influential people for 2014. It is his second consecutive appearance on the list, and his fifth since the first involvement in 2009.

Released on April 24, the list recognizes nominees in five categories - titans, pioneers, artists, leaders and icons - without applying any ranking. Xi was named an influential leader along with US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Xi Jinping has emerged as the most transformational Chinese leader since Deng Xiaoping. His steady style exudes confidence while revealing little, capturing the attention of thought leaders worldwide," TIME Magazine quotes former US ambassador Jon Huntsman, as saying.

"The world will demand China's participation at the table of decision makers. During Xi's decade in office, he will become the first truly global leader to represent a country that for centuries has struggled with cohesion and unity".

Ma Huateng, chairman and CEO of Tencent, Alibaba's chairman Ma Yun, and provocative Chinese actress Yao Chen are also on the list.