Chinese e-tycoon Jack Ma, appeared in a video posted online, ending a two and a half month disappearance from public view. There was a lot of speculation about his status and his business empire’s future. In the 50-second video, Jack Ma did not mention reason for his absence and only congratulated teachers supported by his charitable foundation. This video appeared on Chinese business news and other websites.
Jack Ma was last seen in public after criticising financial regulators in an October 24 speech at a Shanghai conference. Days later, regulators suspended Ant’s planned multibillion-dollar stock market debut. This prompted speculation on the internet, if Jack Ma had been detained or might be facing legal trouble.
Finance experts said President Xi Jinping’s government already was uneasy about Alibaba’s dominance in retailing and Ant’s potential financial risks before Ma’s speech.
