Wu Yajun

Wu Yajun, a self-made billionaire, was named the richest woman on the Chinese mainland by Forbes magazine. Wu and her family ranked 232nd on the publication's newest list of the world's richest billionaires, with estimated net worth of $3.9 billion. Wu is president of Chongqing-based Longfor Properties and holds a 46.9-percent stake in the company.

Carlos Gomes Junior

Guinea-Bissau Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior has resumed his duties after being detained by soldiers who had threatened to kill him if his followers held any rallies of support, in early April. In what appeared to be an attempted coup, Gomes Junior was later released and asked by President Malam Bacai Sanha, to remain on in his post.

Han Han

Han Han, a young Chinese writer, has been nominated by Time magazine as a candidate for its annual list of 100 most influential people in the world. Han, 28, is a high school dropout. He published his first novel in 2000 based on his own high school experience, sparking debate on China's education system. Han is also a professional rally driver and blogger, getting more than 300 million hits.

Wen Qiang

Wen Qiang, former deputy police chief of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, was sentenced to death on April 14 after being found guilty of protecting five organized gangs, accepting bribes of more than 12 million yuan ($1.76 million), rape and property scams. Wen, 55, is the most senior official convicted in the gang-crushing operation in Chongqing that began last June, which has netted as many as 3,000 suspected gangsters.