Experts see profound changes ahead

A1 China is one of the leaders in the global internet arena. In recent years, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things, cloud computing, big data and robotics have opened up vast new potential to bring positive change to people's lives in China and around the world.

As a leading global network in the sharing economy, Airbnb embraces new technologies and will continue investing our resources to inspire more innovations that can move us and the entire industry forward. For example, we are currently using AI, machine learning and predictive analytics to look into user behavior, by examining comments, purchases and browsing data, and have used the insights we have gained to adjust our products and operations, helping to provide a better travel experience to both hosts and guests.

We have a strong team of engineers who ensure that we continually stay on the cutting edge of technology. In February, Airbnb China launched a dedicated data science team, with team members based in Beijing and San Francisco. The team works closely with Airbnb's global headquarters, which provides strong support in data science for both our domestic and outbound travel businesses.

A2 The internet is one of the new growth drivers of future economic development. The Internet Plus model can be found nearly everywhere in China today, and has become a strong driving force for the transformation of the world's second-largest economy.

China is one of Airbnb's most important markets. Our sharing model provides additional revenue streams for hosts and allows guests to explore new areas and contribute to the local economy. We have a long and successful history of working with a wide range of parties - including the Chinese government, businesses and Airbnb users - to jointly promote the healthy development of the sharing economy in China, and we will continue to do so as we develop. We already have memorandums of understanding in place with cities across China including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing and Guilin. We will also expand our involvement with local communities to better support our Chinese hosts.

A3 A powerful internet nation is one that embraces innovation, such as the sharing economy. This is where Airbnb sees China's strength.

The past four decades have shown that China has a vibrant economic environment that has allowed businesses and industries to flourish. Chinese millennial travelers are the driving force in the travel market, and what they are looking for are unforgettable experiences. Airbnb is increasingly popular with millennials in China and around the world.

Today, 80 percent of our user base in China is under 35. They have strong purchasing power and are educated and eager to learn more about the world. This group will soon become the largest segment in Chinese society.

In terms of further development and prosperity, it cannot be achieved without the concerted and coordinated efforts of governments, companies, industries and the public. We look forward to being a part of the partnerships that will continue to drive the rapid growth of the internet sector.

A4 The rise of the sharing economy is undoubtedly a major transformation and one that will have far-reaching implications for the future.

The strengths of this model are in its ability to optimize and integrate underutilized resources, as well as the direct positive social changes that it can create. For example, the home sharing model applied by Airbnb provides new opportunities for destinations and supports the development of local economies. Airbnb's accommodation marketplace provides access to over 5 million unique places to stay, in more than 81,000 cities and 191 countries and regions.

We can see that today, internet technologies are becoming more closely integrated with the sharing economy. As next-generation information technologies - such as the internet of things, cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, mobile payment and modern logistics - become increasingly mature, they will provide more solid support for the development of the sharing economy.

A5 I believe that the development of technology always brings with its enormous potential to improve the quality of life. New technologies allow people to access new products or services in a more efficient and convenient way.

One of the key trends we are seeing today is the development of technology-enabled platforms that combine both demand and supply to disrupt existing industry structures, such as those we see within the sharing economy.

Sharing economy platforms like Airbnb have lowered the barriers for businesses and individuals to create wealth. At Airbnb, we are seeing local hosts and their communities, many in areas untouched by traditional tourism, all benefiting from the development of new technologies, gaining new revenue streams.