I think big companies - but also small capitalists - are only helping if they see a business there. If the aid has some marketing value, for example. But this is normal. Companies have the goal to make profit, not to donate and lose money on charity. Governments and non-goverment organizations have different goals.
Lowering fees can be part of the fight against competitors, too.
I also thought as much. This looks like charity in some form but at the same time profit will be made. Alibaba Group has done well in terms of supporting chinese and alibaba is at it again.