Alibaba Embraces WeChat Pay in Open Market Move

Alibaba's domestic e-commerce platforms, Taobao and Tmall, will soon accept payments from Tencent's WeChat Pay, marking a significant move as the company traditionally used Ant Group's Alipay. The roll-out timing is unclear, but it's part of a broader shift away from China's 'walled garden' payment systems.

Alibaba's domestic e-commerce platforms, Taobao and Tmall, are set to begin accepting payments from Tencent's WeChat Pay, according to a statement released by Alibaba.

This strategic move indicates a significant shift in the competitive e-commerce landscape of China where traditionally, Alibaba platforms used Ant Group's Alipay, Tencent's main competitor.

The exact timeline for the rollout remains unspecified. This change mirrors the gradual breakdown of China's 'walled garden' payment system, facilitating a more integrated market environment.

(With inputs from agencies.)