Forbes lists China's First Lady Peng Liyuan among world's 100 most powerful women
China's First Lady Peng Liyuan has made it onto Forbes' list of the world's most powerful women, a feat her predecessors have never achieved, but remains overshadowed by her entrepreneurial compatriots.
The 50-year-old major general in the People's Liberation Army previously gained prominence as a singer of patriotic songs at New Year's galas and as an Aids activist.
Peng ranks lower than two Chinese business magnates: six spots behind Chongqing-born real estate tycoon Wu Yajun, who last year was named China's richest woman and eighth richest person; and four places behind Zhang Xin, chief executive of Soho China, a high-profile real estate developer in Beijing.
Sun Yafang, chairwoman at Huawei Technologies, a maker of telecommunications equipment, ranked No 77. Last year she was at 91.
Jennifer Li, chief financial officer of the search engine Baidu, and Lan Yang, co-owner of the Sun Media Group, also made it to the list.
Hong Kong's most powerful woman, according to Forbes, is Solina Chau Hoi-suen, director of the Li Ka Shing Foundation.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel remains at the top of the Forbes list, followed by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Only one other first lady made the list. America's Michelle Obama ranked fourth.
