During Tencent's 2026 staff assembly, Ma Huateng reflected on the intense rivalry that characterized the food delivery and community group-buying sectors in 2025. He disclosed that Tencent had divested its stakes in both JD.com and Meituan. Furthermore, he mentioned that Martin Lau had resigned from the boards of these affiliated companies.

In 2025, a fierce food delivery battle erupted between JD.com and Meituan. Amidst this, Alibaba not only brought Ele.me into the fray but also ramped up its investments in artificial intelligence (AI). Ma Huateng emphasized Tencent's commitment to a measured and prudent approach, expressing confidence solely in AI-related investments at present.

Additionally, the Anti-Monopoly and Anti-Unfair Competition Committee Office under the State Council undertook an investigation and evaluation of the food delivery platform service sector. It highlighted that subsidy-fueled contests had exacerbated 'involutionary' competition within the industry, a term referring to intense internal competition that fails to produce significant innovation or growth.