Top 10 International Newsmakers

Editor's note: Every year we see international personalities make headlines across the world. And some faces remain most memorable for China as the country becomes more and more connected to the rest of the world and involved with international affairs. Here, the Web editors of China Daily have selected 10 newsmakers of the year from the rest of the world.

The macho Vladimir Putin

Who's the macho guy in the world political arena? Some may think of Vladimir Putin, the Russian prime minister.

Not as prominent as the toughness of a female politician, such as German Chancellor Merkel, might display to gain attention, the aspects of the former Russian top leader and KGB spy that attract people, especially women, are truly "manly."

He is a Judo black belt, he studies dangerous animals like the tiger and whale, and he kept polar bears as company - for research, of course. He is definitely on top of the list.

Cyber Robin Hood - Julian Assange

He's not a political figure, but those who are seemed to get nervous because of him.

Julian Assange and his website WikiLeaks continue to make "troubles" and pose new challenges for the US government, as more US military and diplomatic secrets are released through his website.

Though millions of people who believe the public has a right to know the truth may be on his side, the "Robin Hood of hacking" is arrested over allegations of sex crimes. He says his work on WikiLeaks is a calling. And, will you continue to work for him?

The mysterious Kim Jong-un

People watch him closely because of his father - the reclusive top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-il.

Though sources are scarce of getting to know his family, any news about the 26-year-old can be tea leaves for future development of political wrestling involving the country.

Fire exchanges between the two Koreas and the DPRK's moves on its nuclear weaponry development are a big concern for regional and international peace and the future state leader's political path has continued to capture world attention.

Philanthropist billionaire Warren Buffett

Anything connected with the wealthy always seems to gain a lot of attention, especially when they say they might give away their money.

Warren Buffett, the most outstanding representative of the extremely rich in the world, with his countryman Bill Gates, shared his philanthropist philosophy with China's super-wealthy.

This time, it's not the highest bid to get a chance to dine with him that people care most about. And it turned out that things are really different when it comes to charity.

Prince William: on the threshold of marriage

Attracting more attention than his Facebook page-opening grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, deceased Princess Diana's older son William announced he is preparing his royal wedding with fianceé Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.

Another fairytale wedding in the royal family is just what the public needs, not to mention the insatiable media interest.

The outspoken Berlusconi

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's jokes and outspoken comments on topics from sex to religion have often sparked controversy.

Last year the hype of an attack on him and the scandal with an 18-year-old model, which led to his divorce battle, didn't stop him from splashing more tabloid headlines across the globe.

Aung San Suu Kyi released

She's a noted political figure in the country just across the border from southwest China. She spent years under house arrest. She's a Nobel Peace laureate, too.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the "dissolved" National League for Democracy (NLD), was freed by the government of Myanmar in November.

Russian beauty spy Anna Chapman

She might be more glamorous than James Bond's girls, and she's more of a female 007.

The pretty 28-year-old Russian redhead Anna Chapman seemed to have turned the spy crisis between Russia and the US into entertainment.

She was also the protagonist in this episode - the largest spy swap since the Cold War.

Diligent teacher and student

- Harriet Richardson Ames

It's not just political figures who are fascinating to ordinary people. The life of those who realize their dreams just in time will definitely be something that needs to be remembered.

Maybe she's lucky, she became the oldest person to get a degree. Harriet Richardson Ames, a retired US schoolteacher, was just awarded her diploma one day before she passed away.

Though people in their 50s or 60s in China going to colleges or universities is no longer news, to grow old healthy and get what one wants is not so easy.

Just believe: It is never too late to learn.

The shortest tourism ambassador

The modern-day dwarf became a celebrity in an Asian nation - he received a Guinness world-record certificate and got the opportunity of representing his country to send a good-will message to the world.

At the age of 18, Nepalese Khagendra Thapa stands only 67 centimeters (26.4 inches) tall.

The slogan is, "Shortest man in the world from the highest mountain in the world invites you to visit Nepal."

Produced by Michelle Du

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