Technology
Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Unaudited Financial Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
GUIYANG, China, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. (“FTA” or the “Company”) (NYSE: YMM), a leading digital freight platform, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Financial and Operational Highlights
Total net revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB2,408.0 million (US$339.2 million), an increase of 25.3% from RMB1,922.5 million in the same period of 2022. Total net revenues in 2023 were RMB8,436.2 million (US$1,188.2 million), an increase of 25.3% from RMB6,733.6 million in 2022.
Net income in the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB588.3 million (US$82.9 million), an increase of 200.6% from RMB195.7 million in the same period of 2022. Net income in 2023 was RMB2,227.1 million (US$313.7 million), an increase of 440.7% from RMB411.9 million in 2022.
Non-GAAP adjusted net income[1] in the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB733.0 million (US$103.2 million), an increase of 64.4% from RMB445.8 million in the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted net income in 2023 was RMB2,797.0 million (US$394.0 million), an increase of 100.4% from RMB1,395.4 million in 2022.
Fulfilled orders[2] in the fourth quarter of 2023 reached 45.8 million, an increase of 40.4% from 32.6 million in the same period of 2022. Fulfilled orders in 2023 reached 158.8 million, an increase of 33.4% from 119.1 million in 2022.
Average shipper MAUs[3] in the fourth quarter of 2023 reached 2.24 million, an increase of 18.7% from 1.88 million in the same period of 2022. Average shipper MAUs in 2023 reached 2.03 million, an increase of 21.3% from 1.67 million in 2022.
Mr. Peter Hui Zhang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FTA, commented, “In 2023, we continued to confront external challenges while ushering in opportunities. Amid a modest economic recovery, the continued growth of our network effect and our platform’s unmatched value proposition accelerated user penetration and drove a strong full-year performance. We achieved four consecutive quarters of growth in fulfilled orders and average shipper MAUs, underscoring the vitality of China’s freight market, the trend of freight digitalization, and the vast potential of the small and medium-sized direct shipper market. For 2024, we will leverage our keen market insight to capitalize on opportunities and remain committed to long-term development, which we believe will pave the way for our sustainable growth.”
Mr. Simon Cai, Chief Financial Officer of FTA, added, “We ended 2023 with strong fourth quarter revenue and profit growth in a disruptive external environment. Fueled by a rapidly growing user base and order volume, we continued to provide more efficient and intelligent freight solutions to our shipper and trucker users. Our total net revenue exceeded the high end of our guidance, surging by 25.3% year over year to RMB2.41 billion, while our non-GAAP adjusted net income of RMB733.0 million was once again well ahead of market expectations. Notably, we achieved 44.0% year-over-year growth in transaction commission, driven by increased order volume on our platform. Moving through 2024, we will take a more active stance toward user acquisition to broaden our high-quality user base. Concurrently, we will further enrich our products and services to address users’ evolving needs and improve our freight matching efficiency. We are confident that we will create long-term sustainable value for our stakeholders as we continue to foster a healthy platform ecosystem.”
[1] Non-GAAP adjusted net income is defined as net income excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions; (iv) settlement in principle of U.S. securities class action, which is non-recurring; and (v) tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” at the end of this press release.
[2] Fulfilled orders on our platform in a given period are defined as all shipping orders matched through our platform during such period but exclude (i) shipping orders that are subsequently canceled and (ii) shipping orders for which our users failed to specify any freight prices as there are substantial uncertainties as to whether the shipping orders are fulfilled.
[3] Average shipper MAUs in a given period are calculated by dividing (i) the sum of shipper MAUs for each month of a given period by (ii) the number of months in a given period. Shipper MAUs are defined as the number of active shippers on our platform in a given month. Active shippers are defined as the aggregate number of registered shipper accounts that have posted at least one shipping order on our platform during a given period.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Net Revenues (including value added taxes, or “VAT,” of RMB998.5 million and RMB1,197.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, and 2023, respectively). Total net revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB2,408.0 million (US$339.2 million), representing an increase of 25.3% from RMB1,922.5 million in the same period of 2022, primarily attributable to an increase in revenues from freight matching services.
Freight matching services. Revenues from freight matching services in the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB2,015.8 million (US$283.9 million), representing an increase of 24.9% from RMB1,614.4 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was mainly due to the steady growth in revenues from freight brokerage service, as well as continued expansion in transaction commissions.
Freight brokerage service. Revenues from freight brokerage service in the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB1,124.7 million (US$158.4 million), an increase of 19.2% from RMB943.6 million in the same period of 2022, primarily attributable to an increase in transaction volume due to robust user demand.
Freight listing service. Revenues from freight listing service in the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB246.2 million (US$34.7 million), an increase of 10.4% from RMB223.1 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to a growing number of total paying members.
Transaction commission. Revenues from transaction commissions amounted to RMB644.8 million (US$90.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase of 44.0% from RMB447.8 million in the same period of 2022, primarily driven by strong order volume growth as well as higher per-order transaction commission.
Value-added services. Revenues from value-added services in the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB392.2 million (US$55.2 million), an increase of 27.3% from RMB308.1 million in the same period of 2022, mainly attributable to an increase in revenues from credit solutions and other value-added services.
Cost of Revenues (including VAT net of refund of VAT of RMB675.4 million and RMB864.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, and 2023, respectively). Cost of revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB1,152.3 million (US$162.3 million), compared with RMB951.8 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to increases in VAT, related tax surcharges and other tax costs, and net of tax refunds from government authorities. These tax-related costs net of refunds totaled RMB1,015.3 million, representing an increase of 18.4% from RMB857.4 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to the continued growth in transaction activities involving our freight brokerage service.
Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses in the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB421.0 million (US$59.3 million), compared with RMB281.1 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in advertising and marketing expenses for user acquisitions.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses in the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB266.0 million (US$37.5 million), compared with RMB408.2 million in the same period of 2022. The decrease was primarily due to lower share-based compensation expenses and professional service fees.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses in the fourth quarter of 2023 were RMB255.3 million (US$36.0 million), compared with RMB250.2 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher share-based compensation expenses and increased investment in technology infrastructure, partially offset by a decrease in salary and benefits expenses.
Income/(Loss) from Operations. Income from operations in the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB250.8 million (US$35.3 million), compared with loss from operations of RMB5.3 million in the same period of 2022.
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income.[4] Non-GAAP adjusted operating income in the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB398.8 million (US$56.2 million), an increase of 60.6% from RMB248.4 million in the same period of 2022.
Net Income. Net income in the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB588.3 million (US$82.9 million), an increase of 200.6% from RMB195.7 million in the same period of 2022.
Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income. Non-GAAP adjusted net income in the fourth quarter of 2023 was RMB733.0 million (US$103.2 million), an increase of 64.4% from RMB445.8 million in the same period of 2022.
Basic and Diluted Net Income per ADS[5] and Non-GAAP Adjusted Basic and Diluted Net Income per ADS.[6] Basic and diluted net income per ADS were RMB0.56 (US$0.08) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with RMB0.18 in the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted basic net income per ADS was RMB0.70 (US$0.10) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with RMB0.42 in the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted diluted net income per ADS was RMB0.69 (US$0.10) in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with RMB0.42 in the same period of 2022.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, long-term time deposits and wealth management products of RMB27.6 billion (US$3.9 billion) in total, compared with RMB26.3 billion as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2023, the total outstanding balance of on-balance sheet loans, consisting of the total principal amounts and all accrued and unpaid interests (net of provisions) of the loans funded through our small loan company, was RMB3,521.1 million (US$495.9 million), compared with RMB2,648.4 million as of December 31, 2022. The total non-performing loan ratio[7] for these loans was 2.0% as of December 31, 2023, which remained flat with that of December 31, 2022.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was RMB758.1 million (US$106.8 million).
[4] Non-GAAP adjusted operating income is defined as income/(loss) from operations excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions and (iv) settlement in principle of U.S. securities class action, which is non-recurring. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” at the end of this press release.
[5] ADS refers to American depositary shares, each of which represents 20 Class A ordinary shares.
[6] Non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS is net income attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions; (iv) settlement in principle of U.S. securities class action, which is non-recurring; and (v) tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments, divided by weighted average number of basic and diluted ADSs, respectively. For more information, refer to “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” at the end of this press release.
[7] Non-performing loan ratio is calculated by dividing the outstanding principal and all accrued and unpaid interests of the on-balance sheet loans that were over 90 calendar days past due (excluding loans that are over 180 days past due and are therefore charged off) by the total outstanding principal and all accrued and unpaid interests of the on-balance sheet loans (excluding loans that are over 180 days past due and are therefore charged off) as of a specified date.
Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results
Net Revenues (including value added taxes, or “VAT,” of RMB3,550.9 million and RMB4,172.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2023, respectively). Total net revenues in 2023 were RMB8,436.2 million (US$1,188.2 million), representing an increase of 25.3% from RMB6,733.6 million in 2022, primarily attributable to an increase in revenues from freight matching services.
Freight matching services. Revenues from freight matching services in 2023 were RMB7,048.8 million (US$992.8 million), representing an increase of 24.6% from RMB5,656.7 million in 2022. The increase was primarily due to the rapid growth in transaction commissions as well as the growing revenues from our freight brokerage service.
Freight brokerage service. Revenues from freight brokerage service in 2023 were RMB3,916.4 million (US$551.6 million), an increase of 16.5% from RMB3,360.3 million in 2022, primarily driven by an increase in transaction volume as a result of improved user penetration.
Freight listing service. Revenues from freight listing service in 2023 were RMB929.4 million (US$130.9 million), an increase of 9.0% from RMB852.4 million in 2022, primarily attributable to a growing number of total paying members.
Transaction commission. Revenues from transaction commissions amounted to RMB2,203.1million (US$310.3 million) in 2023, an increase of 52.6% from RMB1,444.0 million in 2022, primarily driven by an increased order volume as well as higher per-order transaction commission.
Value-added services. Revenues from value-added services in 2023 were RMB1,387.3 million (US$195.4 million), an increase of 28.8% from RMB1,077.0 million in 2022, mainly attributable to an increase in revenues from credit solutions and other value-added services.
Cost of Revenues (including VAT net of refund of VAT of RMB2,539.3 million and RMB3,121.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2023, respectively). Cost of revenues in 2023 was RMB4,119.0 million (US$580.2 million), compared with RMB3,514.6 million in 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in VAT, related tax surcharges and other tax costs, and net of tax refunds from government authorities. These tax-related costs net of refunds totaled RMB3,693.5 million, representing an increase of 16.6% from RMB3,167.8 million in 2022, primarily due to an increase in transaction activities involving our freight brokerage service.
Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses in 2023 were RMB1,239.2 million (US$174.5 million), compared with RMB902.3 million in 2022. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses in advertising and marketing activities for user acquisitions.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses in 2023 were RMB937.7 million (US$132.1 million), compared with RMB1,417.9 million in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to lower share-based compensation expenses and a decrease in professional service fees, partially offset by settlement in principle of certain U.S. securities class action, which was disclosed in the Form 6-K filed on September 18, 2023.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses in 2023 were RMB946.6 million (US$133.3 million), compared with RMB914.2 million in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher share-based compensation expenses and increased investment in technology infrastructure.
Income/(Loss) from Operations. Income from operations in 2023 was RMB997.4 million (US$140.5 million), compared with loss from operations of RMB162.0 million in 2022.
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income. Non-GAAP adjusted operating income in 2023 was RMB1,580.4 million (US$222.6 million), an increase of 89.1% from RMB835.7 million in 2022.
Net Income. Net income in 2023 was RMB2,227.1 million (US$313.7 million), an increase of 440.7% from RMB411.9 million in 2022.
Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income. Non-GAAP adjusted net income in 2023 was RMB2,797.0 million (US$394.0 million), an increase of 100.4% from RMB1,395.4 million in 2022.
Basic and Diluted Net Income per ADS and Non-GAAP Adjusted Basic and Diluted Net Income per ADS. Basic net income per ADS was RMB2.10 (US$0.30) in 2023, compared with RMB0.38 in 2022. Diluted net income per ADS was RMB2.09 (US$0.29) in 2023, compared with RMB0.38 in 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted basic net income per ADS was RMB2.64 (US$0.37) in 2023, compared with RMB1.29 in 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted diluted net income per ADS was RMB2.63 (US$0.37) in 2023, compared with RMB1.29 in 2022.
Business Outlook
The Company expects its total net revenues to be between RMB2.11 billion and RMB2.16 billion for the first quarter of 2024, representing a year-over-year growth rate of approximately 23.9% to 27.1%. These forecasts reflect the Company’s current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change and cannot be predicted with reasonable accuracy as of the date hereof.
Share Repurchase Update
On March 3, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which the Company may repurchase up to US$500 million of the Company’s ADSs during a period of up to 12 months starting from March 13, 2023. As of March 6, 2024, the Company had repurchased an aggregate of approximately 30.7 million ADSs for approximately US$200.0 million from the open market under the share repurchase program.
Exchange Rate Information
This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at a rate of RMB7.0999 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of December 29, 2023, as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company makes no representation that any RMB or US$ amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all.
Conference Call
The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:00 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on March 7, 2024, or 8:00 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss its financial results and operating performance for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023.
Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:
United States (toll free):
+1-888-317-6003
International:
+1-412-317-6061
Mainland China (toll free):
400-120-6115
Hong Kong, SAR (toll free):
800-963-976
Hong Kong, SAR:
+852-5808-1995
United Kingdom (toll free):
08082389063
Singapore (toll free):
800-120-5863
Access Code:
9049178
The replay will be accessible through March 14, 2024, by dialing the following numbers:
United States:
+1-877-344-7529
International:
+1-412-317-0088
Replay Access Code:
5149135
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company’s investor relations website at ir.fulltruckalliance.com.
About Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd.
Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. (NYSE: YMM) is a leading digital freight platform connecting shippers with truckers to facilitate shipments across distance ranges, cargo weights and types. The Company provides a range of freight matching services, including freight listing, freight brokerage and online transaction services. The Company also provides a range of value-added services that cater to the various needs of shippers and truckers, such as financial institutions, highway authorities, and gas station operators. With a mission to make logistics smarter, the Company is shaping the future of logistics with technology and aspires to revolutionize logistics, improve efficiency across the value chain and reduce its carbon footprint for our planet. For more information, please visit ir.fulltruckalliance.com.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company uses non-GAAP adjusted operating income, non-GAAP adjusted net income, non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per share and non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS, each a non-GAAP financial measure, as supplemental measures to review and assess its operating performance.
The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted operating income as income from operations excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions and (iv) settlement in principle of U.S. securities class action. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted net income as net income excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions; (iv) settlement in principle of U.S. securities class action, which is non-recurring; and (v) tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders as net income attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions; (iv) settlement in principle of U.S. securities class action, which is non-recurring; and (v) tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per share as non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of basic and diluted ordinary shares, respectively. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS as non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of basic and diluted ADSs, respectively.
The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool. The non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect all items of expense that affect its operations. Share-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions and tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments have been and may continue to be incurred in its business and are not reflected in the presentation of its non-GAAP financial measures.
The Company reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures. Non-GAAP adjusted operating income, non-GAAP adjusted net income, non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per share should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to operating income/(loss), net income, net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and basic and diluted net income per share or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of its operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review FTA’s non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. FTA’s non-GAAP financial measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.
For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this release.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements which are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: FTA’s goal and strategies; FTA’s expansion plans; FTA’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in FTA’s revenues, costs or expenses; industry landscape of, and trends in, China’s road transportation market; competition in FTA’s industry; FTA’s expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its services; FTA’s expectations regarding its relationships with shippers, truckers and other ecosystem participants; FTA’s ability to protect its systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; PRC laws, regulations, and policies relating to the road transportation market, as well as general regulatory environment in which FTA operates in China; the results of regulatory review and the duration and impact of any regulatory action taken against FTA; the impact of COVID-19 outbreaks, extreme weather conditions and production constraints brought by electricity rationing measures; general economic and business condition; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd.
Mao Mao
E-mail: IR@amh-group.com
Piacente Financial Communications
Hui Fan
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: FTA@thepiacentegroup.com
In the United States:
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: FTA@thepiacentegroup.com
FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data)
As of
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
2022
2023
2023
RMB
RMB
US$
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
5,137,312
6,770,895
953,661
Restricted cash – current
83,759
115,513
16,270
Short-term investments
21,087,089
11,516,304
1,622,037
Accounts receivable, net
13,015
23,418
3,298
Loans receivable, net
2,648,449
3,521,072
495,933
Prepayments and other current assets
2,034,427
2,049,780
288,705
Total current assets
31,004,051
23,996,982
3,379,904
Restricted cash – non-current
—
10,000
1,408
Long-term investments1
1,774,270
11,075,739
1,559,985
Property and equipment, net
108,824
194,576
27,405
Intangible assets, net
502,421
449,904
63,368
Goodwill
3,124,828
3,124,828
440,123
Deferred tax assets
41,490
149,081
20,998
Operating lease right-of-use assets and land use rights
132,000
134,867
18,996
Other non-current assets
8,427
211,670
29,813
Total non-current assets
5,692,260
15,350,665
2,162,096
TOTAL ASSETS
36,696,311
39,347,647
5,542,000
LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
27,953
25,220
3,552
Amount due to related parties
122,152
—
—
Prepaid for freight listing fees and other service fees
462,080
548,917
77,313
Income tax payable
52,233
154,916
21,819
Other tax payable
721,597
784,617
110,511
Operating lease liabilities – current
44,590
37,758
5,318
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
1,301,160
1,723,245
242,714
Total current liabilities
2,731,765
3,274,673
461,227
Deferred tax liabilities
121,611
108,591
15,295
Operating lease liabilities – non-current
35,931
46,709
6,579
Other non-current liabilities
—
22,950
3,232
Total non-current liabilities
157,542
178,250
25,106
TOTAL LIABILITIES
2,889,307
3,452,923
486,333
MEZZANINE EQUITY
Redeemable non-controlling interests
149,771
277,420
39,074
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Ordinary shares
1,377
1,371
193
Treasury stock
—
(608,117)
(85,651)
Additional paid-in capital
47,758,178
47,713,985
6,720,374
Accumulated other comprehensive income
2,511,170
2,897,871
408,157
Accumulated deficit
(16,613,492)
(14,400,604)
(2,028,283)
TOTAL FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD. EQUITY
33,657,233
35,604,506
5,014,790
Non-controlling interests
—
12,798
1,803
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
33,657,233
35,617,304
5,016,593
TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND EQUITY
36,696,311
39,347,647
5,542,000
1. The Group’s long-term investments consist of RMB8,540 million long-term time deposits, RMB678 million wealth management products with maturities
over one year, RMB831 million investments in debt securities, RMB318 million equity method investments, and RMB708 million equity investments without
readily determinable fair value as of December 31, 2023.
FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
September 30,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
2022
2023
2023
2023
2022
2023
2023
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
Net revenues (including value added taxes,
“VAT”, of RMB998.5 million and
RMB1,197.4 million for the three months
ended December 31, 2022 and 2023,
RMB3,550.9 million and
RMB4,172.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2022 and 2023,
respectively)
1,922,473
2,263,917
2,407,957
339,154
6,733,644
8,436,159
1,188,210
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenues (including VAT net of
refund of VAT of RMB675.4 million
and RMB864.7 million for the three
months ended December 31, 2022
and 2023, RMB2,539.3 million and
RMB3,121.0 million for the year
ended December 31, 2022 and
2023, respectively)(1)
(951,779)
(1,142,057)
(1,152,317)
(162,300)
(3,514,551)
(4,119,016)
(580,151)
Sales and marketing expenses(1)
(281,129)
(290,782)
(420,960)
(59,291)
(902,269)
(1,239,191)
(174,536)
General and administrative expenses(1)
(408,181)
(290,443)
(266,016)
(37,468)
(1,417,933)
(937,677)
(132,069)
Research and development expenses(1)
(250,207)
(237,716)
(255,344)
(35,964)
(914,151)
(946,635)
(133,331)
Provision for loans receivable
(53,900)
(62,948)
(67,627)
(9,525)
(194,272)
(234,599)
(33,043)
Total operating expenses
(1,945,196)
(2,023,946)
(2,162,264)
(304,548)
(6,943,176)
(7,477,118)
(1,053,130)
Other operating income
17,453
7,089
5,123
722
47,530
38,388
5,407
(Loss) income from operations
(5,270)
247,060
250,816
35,328
(162,002)
997,429
140,487
Other income (expense)
Interest income
202,324
297,249
313,037
44,090
483,658
1,141,861
160,828
Interest expenses
—
—
—
—
(175)
—
—
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
1,531
585
(2,909)
(410)
15,048
(2,149)
(303)
Investment income
1,212
22,605
25,832
3,638
5,411
55,621
7,834
Unrealized gain (loss) from fair value
changes of trading securities and
derivative assets
4,986
(12,124)
6,833
962
(63,390)
12,938
1,822
Other income, net
5,085
116,885
2,457
346
230,631
130,264
18,347
Share of loss in equity method investees
(73)
(236)
(825)
(116)
(1,246)
(2,067)
(291)
Total other income
215,065
424,964
344,425
48,510
669,937
1,336,468
188,237
Net income before income tax
209,795
672,024
595,241
83,838
507,935
2,333,897
328,724
Income tax expense
(14,110)
(53,601)
(6,991)
(985)
(96,035)
(106,804)
(15,043)
Net income
195,685
618,423
588,250
82,853
411,900
2,227,093
313,681
Less: net (loss) income attributable to
non-controlling interests
—
(675)
(591)
(83)
539
(1,252)
(176)
Less: measurement adjustment
attributable to redeemable non-
controlling interest
1,845
4,745
4,752
669
4,599
15,457
2,177
Net income attributable to
ordinary shareholders
193,840
614,353
584,089
82,267
406,762
2,212,888
311,680
FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (CONTINUED)
(All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
September 30,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
2022
2023
2023
2023
2022
2023
2023
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
Net income per ordinary
share
—Basic
0.01
0.03
0.03
0.00
0.02
0.10
0.01
—Diluted
0.01
0.03
0.03
0.00
0.02
0.10
0.01
Net income per ADS*
—Basic
0.18
0.58
0.56
0.08
0.38
2.10
0.30
—Diluted
0.18
0.58
0.56
0.08
0.38
2.09
0.29
Weighted average number
of ordinary shares used
in computing net
income per share
—Basic
21,246,855,688
21,025,267,682
20,949,011,129
20,949,011,129
21,517,856,981
21,111,924,886
21,111,924,886
—Diluted(2)
21,305,376,233
21,059,252,652
21,016,273,541
21,016,273,541
21,579,616,389
21,162,351,461
21,162,351,461
Weighted average number
of ADS used in
computing net
income per ADS
—Basic
1,062,342,784
1,051,263,384
1,047,450,556
1,047,450,556
1,075,892,849
1,055,596,244
1,055,596,244
—Diluted(2)
1,065,268,812
1,052,962,633
1,050,813,677
1,050,813,677
1,078,980,819
1,058,117,573
1,058,117,573
* Each ADS represents 20 ordinary shares.
(1) Share-based compensation expense in operating expenses are as follows:
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
September 30,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
2022
2023
2023
2023
2022
2023
2023
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
Cost of revenues
1,812
2,796
2,593
365
6,406
8,576
1,208
Sales and marketing
expenses
12,163
15,217
16,014
2,256
39,771
55,503
7,817
General and administrative
expenses
201,514
81,249
89,255
12,571
809,194
297,469
41,898
Research and development
expenses
19,749
22,938
22,813
3,213
63,884
80,279
11,307
Total
235,238
122,200
130,675
18,405
919,255
441,827
62,230
(2) Weighted average number of ordinary shares/ADS used in computing diluted net income per share/ADS are adjusted by
the potentially dilutive effects of ordinary shares/ADS issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share options.
FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD.
RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS
(All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
September 30,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
2022
2023
2023
2023
2022
2023
2023
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
(Loss) income from
operations
(5,270)
247,060
250,816
35,328
(162,002)
997,429
140,487
Add:
Share-based
compensation
expense
235,238
122,200
130,675
18,405
919,255
441,827
62,230
Amortization of
intangible assets
resulting from
business acquisitions
14,121
13,021
13,021
1,834
56,484
52,084
7,336
Compensation cost
incurred in relation
to acquisitions
4,281
4,281
4,281
603
21,914
17,124
2,412
Settlement in principle
of U.S. securities
class action
—
71,900
—
—
—
71,900
10,127
Non-GAAP adjusted
operating income
248,370
458,462
398,793
56,170
835,651
1,580,364
222,592
Net income
195,685
618,423
588,250
82,853
411,900
2,227,093
313,681
Add:
Share-based
compensation
expense
235,238
122,200
130,675
18,405
919,255
441,827
62,230
Amortization of
intangible assets
resulting from
business acquisitions
14,121
13,021
13,021
1,834
56,484
52,084
7,336
Compensation cost
incurred in relation
to acquisitions
4,281
4,281
4,281
603
21,914
17,124
2,412
Settlement in principle
of U.S. securities
class action
—
71,900
—
—
—
71,900
10,127
Tax effects of
non-GAAP
adjustments
(3,530)
(3,255)
(3,255)
(459)
(14,120)
(13,021)
(1,834)
Non-GAAP adjusted net
income
445,795
826,570
732,972
103,236
1,395,433
2,797,007
393,952
FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD.
RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (CONTINUED)
(All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
September 30,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
2022
2023
2023
2023
2022
2023
2023
RMB
RMB
RMB
US$
RMB
RMB
US$
Net income attributable
to ordinary
shareholders
193,840
614,353
584,089
82,267
406,762
2,212,888
311,680
Add:
Share-based
compensation
expense
235,238
122,200
130,675
18,405
919,255
441,827
62,230
Amortization of
intangible assets
resulting from
business acquisitions
14,121
13,021
13,021
1,834
56,484
52,084
7,336
Compensation cost
incurred in relation
to acquisitions
4,281
4,281
4,281
603
21,914
17,124
2,412
Settlement in principle
of U.S. securities
class action
—
71,900
—
—
—
71,900
10,127
Tax effects of
non-GAAP
adjustments
(3,530)
(3,255)
(3,255)
(459)
(14,120)
(13,021)
(1,834)
Non-GAAP adjusted net
income attributable to
ordinary shareholders
443,950
822,500
728,811
102,650
1,390,295
2,782,802
391,951
Non-GAAP adjusted net
income per ordinary
share
—Basic
0.02
0.04
0.03
0.00
0.06
0.13
0.02
—Diluted
0.02
0.04
0.03
0.00
0.06
0.13
0.02
Non-GAAP adjusted net
income per ADS
—Basic
0.42
0.78
0.70
0.10
1.29
2.64
0.37
—Diluted
0.42
0.78
0.69
0.10
1.29
2.63
0.37
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/full-truck-alliance-co-ltd-announces-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2023-unaudited-financial-results-302082633.html
SOURCE Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd.
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Technology
Black Lake Technologies Shortlisted as SAIL Award TOP30 Finalist and Selected as Global Industrial AI Flagship Case, Showcasing Latest Industrial Agent at WAIC 2026
Published
9 minutes agoon
July 18, 2026By
SHANGHAI, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) opened in Shanghai on July 17. Shanghai Blacklake Technologies Co., Ltd. (“Black Lake”), an industrial AI company, is showcasing a portfolio of industrial AI agents at the conference. The company has also been named to the Top 30 shortlist for the 2026 WAIC Super AI Leader (SAIL) Award and selected as a Trusted Partner under the Global Call for Trusted Partners for Industrial AI in the Global South.
The accreditations highlight Black Lake’s latest progress in bringing AI into critical manufacturing decision-making workflows and deploying industrial AI capabilities on the shop floor around the world.
This year’s conference attracted over 1,100 exhibiting companies and showcased more than 3,000 exhibits, setting a new record for exhibition scale. The conference delivered a clear signal: as artificial intelligence becomes a common priority across global industries, attention is moving beyond model capabilities toward practical applications in real-world operating environments.
Manufacturing provides a particularly demanding test for this transition. Factory operations are governed by multiple constraints, including process specifications, equipment capabilities, material availability, production capacity, delivery schedules and quality requirements. Therefore, AI has to do so much more than simply comprehend information input. It must make reliable judgments within clearly defined business rules and operational constraints.
Black Lake has focused on industrial digitalization and industrial AI for years, developing and deploying AI applications in a range of factory environments.
At WAIC 2026, the company is presenting industrial AI agents covering order splitting and process planning, quotation and pricing, procurement, production scheduling, quality inspection, and order tracking. These applications are designed to move AI beyond an auxiliary role and into critical manufacturing decision-making workflows.
Traditional industrial software is primarily responsible for data recording, digital workflows, and worker coordination. However, critical decisions such as how to split an order, determine pricing, schedule production, and assess quality risks still depend heavily on the experience of engineers and frontline workers.
Industrial AI agents are intended to convert fragmented industrial knowledge and production experience into decision-making capabilities that can be invoked, reused and continuously refined by software systems.
Order decomposition and process planning are representative examples. After receiving an engineering drawing, a factory typically relies on experienced engineers to identify components, materials and dimensions, define the required manufacturing processes and technical specifications, and establish a basis for subsequent quotation and quality inspection.
The process is highly dependent on individual expertise and represents one of the first critical decision points after an order is received.
Black Lake Technologies’ CAD-to-Process Agent can understand product drawings and, taking into account the factory’s equipment capabilities, process requirements, and production practices, rapidly generate process steps along with the corresponding technical requirements. Drawing analysis that once took hours can now be completed in approximately one minute, achieving an accuracy rate of over 95% in real deployment and providing engineers with stable, efficient decision support. Currently, the industrial agents developed by the company cover core processes including design, scheduling, production, and quality inspection, and have entered the stage of large-scale deployment.
Founded in 2016, Black Lake serves nearly 40,000 factories worldwide. Its customers span more than 30 industries, including food and beverage, automotive components and equipment manufacturing.
By working across factory order management, production and fulfillment workflows, Black Lake has accumulated the technical capabilities and industry knowledge required to support decision-making in complex industrial environments.
In April 2026, Black Lake completed a Series D funding round of nearly RMB 1 billion. The company said the proceeds would primarily be used to accelerate the deployment of its industrial AI products and support its international expansion.
AI-related products are becoming a new source of growth for the company. In a recent interview, Black Lake founder and CEO Zhou Yuxiang said that the company had recorded significant growth in AI-related revenue since the beginning of 2026. He also said that manufacturing customers were taking less time to make purchasing decisions for industrial AI agents.
Zhou expects AI adoption among Chinese factories to increase substantially over the next three to four years.
Unlike consumer-facing AI, which is primarily associated with content generation and personal productivity, industrial AI agents can directly affect production costs, capacity utilization, delivery performance, and product quality. Their commercial value therefore depends largely on whether they can perform specific tasks reliably in complex production environments.
During WAIC 2026, Black Lake was named to the Top 30 shortlist for the 2026 Super AI Leader (SAIL) Award. The SAIL Award is one of WAIC’s major awards and recognizes achievements in technological breakthroughs, application innovation, and industrial value.
Black Lake was also selected as a Trusted Partner under UNIDO’s Global Call for Trusted Partners for Industrial AI in the Global South.
The Global Call was launched under the guidance of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, and in connection with the work of UNIDO AIM Global and its Shanghai-based Centre of Excellence.
The initiative aims to build a curated pool of leading partners to co-develop scalable industrial AI solutions and public goods for the Global South.
For Black Lake, the two accreditations underscore the growing importance of reliability, explainability, and scalability in the evaluation of industrial AI, in addition to the capabilities of AI models.
Global expansion will be a major priority in the company’s next phase of development. Black Lake is currently focusing on Southeast Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, adapting its industrial AI agents to the industrial structures, production processes and management requirements of different markets.
Although manufacturing operations vary across countries and regions, manufacturers share similar concerns about efficiency, quality, delivery reliability and production flexibility.
Black Lake is transforming industrial AI capabilities that have been validated in complex factory environments into configurable and deployable products. Through these products, the company aims to work with manufacturers worldwide to explore more efficient, flexible and intelligent approaches to production.
SOURCE Black Lake
Technology
76% of Coupon Codes Work at Checkout, but Most Failures Trace Back to Terms Shoppers Never Read, CouponDopa Study Finds
Published
1 hour agoon
July 18, 2026By
Study Finds 76% of Coupon Codes Work at Checkout
NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Multi-country research across 11 regions finds that most coupon code failures were not due to expired codes, but to terms and conditions shoppers did not check before checkout.
A new study testing 1,000 coupon codes across 11 countries found that three in four online discount codes applied successfully at checkout, while the remaining failures were tied more often to unmet terms than to expired or invalid codes.
The research was conducted by CouponDopa, a multi-regional coupon platform operating in 11 countries. Codes were tested across multiple retail categories in July 2026 to measure real checkout success rates.
KEY FINDINGS
Overall success rate: 76%. Overall failure rate: 24%. Highest-performing country: Netherlands, 81%. Lowest-performing countries: Poland and Italy, tied at 70%. Highest-performing category: Electronics. Lowest-performing category: Travel. Desktop success rate: 78%. Mobile success rate: 74%.
The study’s most significant finding was not the failure rate itself, but the reasons behind it.
“The assumption most shoppers make is that a coupon code doesn’t work because it’s expired,” said Anderson Joe, CMO at CouponDopa. “Our testing found that expiry was rarely the primary issue. In most failed attempts, the code was still active, but the shopper’s cart did not meet a listed condition, such as a minimum spend or a region restriction.”
WHY COUPON CODES ACTUALLY FAIL
Minimum spend not met: the most common reason for failure across all 11 regions, since many codes require a basket value above a set threshold.Region-specific restrictions: codes valid in one country frequently failed in another.Unread terms and conditions: codes were applied to excluded categories, sale items, or specific product ranges without checking eligibility first.Delivery and shipping thresholds: free shipping codes requiring a minimum order value were sometimes mistaken for blanket offers.
No exact percentage breakdown of failure causes is available. Minimum spend is confirmed as the single most common cause; the other three were not ranked against each other.
“In our view, a code that fails because of an unmet minimum spend is not necessarily a broken code,” said Anderson. “It may simply be a condition the shopper did not see before checkout.”
REGIONAL FINDINGS — NETHERLANDS LEADS
Country Success Rate
Netherlands 81%
Germany 79%
United States 77%
Canada 77%
United Kingdom 76%
Australia 75%
New Zealand 74%
France 73%
Spain 72%
Poland 70%
Italy 70%
Netherlands recorded the highest success rate of the 11 regions tested. Germany followed closely. The United Kingdom matched the overall study average, and Canada and the United States recorded the same rate. Poland and Italy recorded the lowest rates in the study, tied at 70%.
ELECTRONICS OUTPERFORMS TRAVEL
Electronics recorded the highest coupon code success rate of any category tested, at 80%, while travel recorded the lowest, at 69%.
“Electronics codes in our sample tended to carry fewer conditions,” noted Anderson Joe. “Travel codes more often included conditions tied to dates, destinations, or booking windows, which may explain the difference.”
MOBILE SHOPPERS RECORD LOWER SUCCESS RATES
Desktop checkouts recorded a 78% success rate compared with 74% for mobile, a 4-point gap. Researchers said the difference may relate to how terms are displayed on smaller screens, though this was not directly tested.
“We saw a consistent gap between desktop and mobile across our markets,” said Anderson Joe. “We can’t say precisely why from this data alone, but it’s a pattern worth further study.”
ABOUT THE STUDY
CouponDopa tested 1,000 coupon codes across 11 countries during July 2026, across electronics, fashion, food delivery, travel, beauty, and home categories. Codes were manually tested at real checkouts on desktop and mobile. A code counted as successful only when the discount appeared in the checkout total. Failed codes were categorized by reason. Read the complete methodology available at CouponDopa tested 1000 coupon codes in 11 regions.
ABOUT COUPONDOPA
CouponDopa is a multi-regional coupon and discount platform operating across 11 countries. CouponDopa verifies coupon codes across hundreds of brands before publishing, providing shoppers with discount information across major retail categories, including verified codes available on CouponDopa’s store pages.
MEDIA CONTACT
Organization: Coupondopa
Contact Person Name: Anderson Joe
Website: https://www.coupondopa.com/
Email: info@coupondopa.com
Contact Number: +1 (530) 269-6377
Address: 165 ithaca Bayshore NY, 11706 USA
City: Bay Shore
State: NY
Country: United States
Media Contact
Anderson Joe, Coupondopa, 1 631 404-9968, coupondopa@gmail.com, https://www.coupondopa.com/
View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/76-of-coupon-codes-work-at-checkout-but-most-failures-trace-back-to-terms-shoppers-never-read-coupondopa-study-finds-302828186.html
SOURCE CouponDopa
Technology
Global Times: Head-of-state diplomacy shines at WAIC, fostering ties and advancing global governance consensus
Published
5 hours agoon
July 18, 2026By
BEIJING, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, sitting down successively with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The bustling diplomatic activity transformed the WAIC from a premier showcase of AI technologies and industrial breakthroughs into a vibrant platform for head-of-state diplomacy and global governance coordination.
Analysts said hosting intensive head-of-state diplomatic events in Shanghai, a core hub of reform, opening-up and technological innovation, carries profound meaning. In addition, Friday’s high-level meetings embody the innovative model of “technology builds the stage while diplomacy takes the leading role.” It not only deepens China’s bilateral relations with ASEAN members, but also helps advance inclusive global AI governance centered on the UN mechanism.
Strategic guidance
According to the two separate official releases by Xinhua, during his meetings with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia, President Xi spoke of the long-standing friendship China shares with both nations. He called on China and Thailand, as well as China and Cambodia, to join hands to advance the development of their respective communities with a shared future.
Furthermore, the Chinese leader stressed the need for China to expand pragmatic cooperation with Thailand and Cambodia respectively across traditional and emerging sectors, and work with each country to jointly crack down on cross-border crimes such as online gambling and telecom fraud, according to Xinhua.
He called for the proper handling of border frictions between Thailand and Cambodia and called on the two sides to resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation, with China standing ready to continue playing a constructive role in this regard, per Xinhua.
During their respective meetings with the Chinese leader, the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia both expressed willingness to deepen multi-field cooperation with China and spoke highly of China’s positive efforts to facilitate the peaceful settlement of the Thailand-Cambodia border conflicts.
Xu Liping, Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that head-of-state diplomacy has charted the fundamental course for the advancement of China’s ties with both Cambodia and Thailand.
WAIC exemplifies the innovative model of “technology builds the platform, while diplomacy takes the leading role,” said Xu, “In addition, AI cooperation is also expected to serve as a vital entry point to further deepen and substantiate China’s ties with Thailand and Cambodia going forward.”
Furthermore, addressing the sensitive and thorny Thailand-Cambodia border dispute amid the relatively relaxed atmosphere of a tech summit enables all relevant parties to handle differences in a rational and pragmatic manner, which embodies Eastern wisdom and an Asian approach to resolving issues, said Xu.
The year 2026 marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, witnessing the official rollout of the new Plan of Action on the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030). It also kicks off the implementation of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan.
The critical juncture offers a perfect window to align China’s development plans closely with the national development strategies of Global South countries and ASEAN members, said Xu. “Thailand and Cambodia’s willingness to ramp up cooperation with China mirrors the aspiration of the majority of ASEAN members to leverage China’s development dividends and pursue win-win outcomes and common prosperity in the region.”
Firm support for UN
In his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday, Xi reiterated China’s firm support for the UN.
Noting that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China at the UN, the Chinese leader said China has since been committed to building world peace, contributing to global development, defending international order, and firmly supporting the UN, Xinhua reported.
Xi added that he proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four global initiatives with one important consideration in mind – to uphold the status and authority of the UN.
Currently, the international landscape is marked by more pronounced changes and turbulence, making it all the more necessary to practice true multilateralism and reinvigorate the status and role of the UN, he said.
Guterres commended China for its steadfast support for multilateralism, the cause of the UN, and international cooperation, saying that China has set an example for the world.
Guterres said the UN will continue to strengthen cooperation with China, oppose unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonic bullying, safeguard the UN Charter and international law, as well as advance the process toward a multipolar world.
At this pivotal juncture where talks on AI development and UN multilateral governance converge, China, leveraging head-of-state diplomacy as a top-tier platform, has elaborated in a systematic manner its vision for global governance in the AI era, Wang Yiwei, a professor at the School of International Studies, Renmin University of China, told the Global Times.
He added that China’s emphasis on the UN-centered global governance architecture will further strengthen the UN’s authority and operational capacity.
Before the official opening of the WAIC, on Thursday, representatives from 29 countries, including Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia and Indonesia, signed an agreement on establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in Shanghai. UN chief Guterres was among representatives from countries and international organizations present at the signing ceremony.
According to the agreement, WAICO will be an independent intergovernmental international organization, which aims to promote international cooperation and global governance on AI, ensuring that AI is beneficial, safe and fair, thereby promoting its healthy and orderly development to benefit all humanity.
President Xi on Friday also announced that in the next five years, China will provide developing countries with 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programs. China will also develop international AI application cooperation centers with the ASEAN, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS.
However, some international media, including Reuters and Nikkei, used the term “AI diplomacy” describing the grand gathering in Shanghai, claiming that Beijing seeks a new global AI order, challenging US dominance.
In rebuttal, Wang pointed out that China advocates open, inclusive technology that lets AI benefit all humanity under the vision of “AI for All”. In contrast, the US adheres to a mindset of “All for AI”, weaponizing AI for geopolitical rivalry and aiming to outpace China in technological competition. Driven by the “America First” doctrine and capital-centric priorities, Washington’s approach forms a sharp contrast with China’s.
Meanwhile, China’s resolute commitment to upholding the UN system underscores that for China and a wide array of Global South countries, the sensible path lies in reforming and improving the existing global governance architecture rather than discarding it to build parallel institutions from scratch, the expert added.
This article first appeared on Global Times
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-head-of-state-diplomacy-shines-at-waic-fostering-ties-and-advancing-global-governance-consensus-302828946.html
SOURCE Global Times
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