The US weekly magazine Time has released its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Chinese President Hu Jintao and Vice Premier Wu Yi are listed among the most influential leaders, along with US President George W. Bush.

Chinese basketball player Yao Ming is honored in the "icon" group.

Democratic challenger John Kerry, who also made the list, was called "a solemn unifier for the Democrats" by Joe Klein, who wrote a best-seller about the Clintons.

Both ex-President Bill Clinton and Sen. Hillary Clinton made the grade as "the brightest stars in the Democratic gallery."

Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and his ally, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, were also listed.

World leaders included Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Il, Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, and Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, called "the developing world's new spokesman."

Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary General, also made the grade.

Aung San Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her unflinching fight for democracy in Myanmar, appeared in the "Heroes and Icons" category along with rock star Bono.

Peter Jackson, director of the film epic "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," and J.K. Rowling, who wrote the Harry Potter books, were listed as "Artists and Entertainers."

So were actor Sean Penn and actress Nicole Kidman -- but not her ex-husband, Tom Cruise.

Only four of the 100 "People of the Century" Time previously named made this year's list: Pope John Paul II, South Africa's former leader Nelson Mandela, TV host Oprah Winfrey and Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates.

(Agencies)