China solidified its ranking as home to the world’s second-largest number of

China solidified its ranking as home to the world’s second-largest number of billionaires today, as Forbes Asia listed a record 128 members of the elite group on its latest China Rich List. That’s second only to the United States. On the Forbes China Rich List released a year ago, the country had 79.

As speculated, Zong Qinghou, chairman of beverage giant Wahaha led the way with $8 billion of wealth. Robin Li, the chairman of Nasdaq-listed Internet search leader Baidu, ranked second with $7.2 billion.

Among the listees with U.S.-listed companies were William Ding of Netease, whose wealth totaled $2.19 billion, Shi Zhengrong of Suntech Power, with wealth of $725 million, Shi Yuzhu, the CEO of Giant Interactive, with $1.53 billion, and Shanda Entertainment Chairman Tim Chen, with wealth (shared with his wife ) of $1.07 billion.

For the entire list, click here.