Powerful: Forbes, Hu Jintao

Who are the most important and powerful men in the world? This year's Forbes list of the most powerful people in the world has a twist to it, as Hu Jintao, China's president, came in at #1 ahead of the man most people would expect to see, US President Barack Obama.

China's president Hu Jintao controls one of the most powerful economies in the global political sphere, and in some people's opinions he wields more power than Obama, since he does not have to deal with all the checks and balances of America's democratic system.

Powerful? Forbes Hu Jintao Twist
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This year's Forbes list of The World's Most Powerful People is out this year with a twist that may be a surprise to some and a confirmation of reality to others: Ranking Chinese President Hu Jintao at number one, above U.S. President Barack Obama. Is Hu really deserving of the title of World's Most Powerful? How about the other Chinese big names on the list? People's Bank of China chief Zhou Xiaochuan, often imperfectly described as the Ben Bernanke of China, is ranked 11th, higher than people might expect given his role in financial matters.

Powerful? Forbes Hu Jintao Twist