Alibaba’s Taobao introduces Tencent’s WeChat Pay

The photo, taken on July 3, 2020, shows the research center of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba on “AIsland” in Zhangjiang Science City in the Pudong New Area in eastern Shanghai. (Photo/Xinhua)

As of Friday, consumers shopping on Alibaba’s Taobao platform can now use Tencent’s WeChat Pay to make transactions, according to an official statement from Taobao.

The new payment option allows users to complete purchases using WeChat Pay, and subsequent updates will enable users to access transaction records and receipts directly within the WeChat app, WeChat Pay said.

Additionally, Taobao and Tmall are set to officially integrate JD Logistics, with the service expected to be available in mid-October. Once launched, sellers on Taobao and Tmall will have the option to choose JD Logistics for shipments.

JD.com will also introduce services from the Cainiao delivery network, including Cainiao Express and Cainiao Post, which offer parcel pick-up points.

JD.com is also preparing to add Alipay as a payment option, which is expected to launch ahead of the November 11 shopping festival. Both companies confirmed that cooperation agreements in the field of logistics and payments are already in force.

The collaboration indicates that Chinese technology companies are moving toward more efficient resource integration and better user experiences, said Liang Qiang, dean of Shantou University’s School of Business.

The partnership is also in line with China’s macro policy, which aims to develop digital infrastructure and facilitate dual circulation of domestic and international markets, while enhancing the competitiveness of China’s e-commerce platforms in the global supply chain, he added.