Chinese President Xi Jinping has been named by TIME Magazine as one of the World's 100 most influential people for 2014.

The list, released on Thursday, recognized nominees without ranking in five categories: titans, pioneers, artists, leaders and icons.

Xi was named an influential leader along with US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Xi Jinping has emerged as the most transformational Chinese leader since Deng Xiaoping. His steady style exudes confidence while revealing little, capturing the attention of thought leaders worldwide," TIME Magazine quotes former US ambassador Jon Huntsman, as saying.

"The world will demand China's participation at the table of decision makers. During Xi's decade in office, he will become the first truly global leader to represent a country that for centuries has struggled with cohesion and unity".

Ma Huateng, chairman and CEO of Tencent, Alibaba's chairman Ma Yun, and provocative Chinese actress Yao Chen are also on the list.