Chen became well known in China for personally rescuing 13 people as part of a broader involvement in the rescue effort following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake . Forbes Asia chose him as one of the 48 leading philanthropists of the Asia Pacific Region in both 2008 and 2009 . Chen appeared in international headlines due to his high-profile , but unsuccessful , attempt to buy '' The New York Times '' in January 2014 . Chen is also known for his publicity stunts and admitted in a January 2014 '' Wall Street Journal '' article that they are part of his persona . Domestically , his philanthropy has been questioned by several news sources
2008 Sichuan earthquake
2008 Sichuan earthquake
Chen Guangbiao