The Epoch Times
The Epoch Times
AD
The Epoch Times
Support Us
China Business & Economy

China’s E-Commerce Giant Alibaba to Be Broken Up as Billionaire Co-Founder Ma Returns to China

China’s E-Commerce Giant Alibaba to Be Broken Up as Billionaire Co-Founder Ma Returns to China
Founder of Alibaba group Jack Ma arrives for the Tech for Good summit in Paris on May 15, 2019. Thibault Camus/AP Photo
Alex Wu
3/30/2023|Updated: 3/31/2023
0:00

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba said on March 28 that it will split into six units, as its co-founder, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, reportedly has returned to China at the Communist Party’s request after spending more than a year overseas.

China observers believe this shows that Beijing’s policy toward large, privately owned Chinese tech companies hasn’t fundamentally changed.

Alex Wu
Alex Wu
Author
Alex Wu is a U.S.-based writer for The Epoch Times focusing on Chinese society, Chinese culture, human rights, and international relations.
Author’s Selected Articles
More Chinese Sell Blood to Survive Amid Worsening Economy, Residents Say
Feb 12, 2026
More Chinese Sell Blood to Survive Amid Worsening Economy, Residents Say
Chinese Regime Heightens Scrutiny on Residents’ Overseas Income Amid Worsening Economy
Feb 11, 2026
Chinese Regime Heightens Scrutiny on Residents’ Overseas Income Amid Worsening Economy
Beijing Expels 3 Senior Defense Industry Officials Amid Ongoing Military Purge
Feb 09, 2026
Beijing Expels 3 Senior Defense Industry Officials Amid Ongoing Military Purge
Xi Holds Calls With Trump, Putin on Same Day for International Support Amid Military Purge: Analysts
Feb 09, 2026
Xi Holds Calls With Trump, Putin on Same Day for International Support Amid Military Purge: Analysts
Related Topics
Alibaba
split
Jack Ma
private sector
Add to My List
Save
The Epoch Times
Copyright © 2000 - 2026 The Epoch Times Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.