The mysterious disappearance of Chinese billionaire Jack Ma

<p>Alibaba Group founder and billionaire Jack Ma has emerged into the public for the first time since disappearing in October last year.&nbsp;Growing scrutiny of his business plans has fuelled speculation that his absence is part of a broader crackdown by the Chinese government.&nbsp;Where has he been? And what does his disappearance mean for the future of Chinese business?&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/subscribe/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_medium=audio&amp;utm_campaign=podcastsubs&amp;utm_content=storiesofourtimes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Guests:&nbsp;Philip Sherwell, Asia correspondent, The Sunday Times.</p><p><br></p><p>Host:&nbsp;David Aaronovitch.</p><p><br></p><p>Clips used: CBC, ABC, CNBC, World Economic Forum, Alibaba Group, CBS, ITV, Financial Times, CNA Insider.</p> &#10;&nbsp;<br /><hr><p style='color: grey; font - size: 0.75em; '>See <a style='color: grey; ' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.</p>