Eliza Wong
China’s food delivery war took an unexpected diplomatic turn when JD.com founder Richard Liu (刘强东) revealed his attempts to arrange a meeting with Meituan CEO Wang Xing (王兴). During a September 16 user conference, Liu emphasized that commercial competition shouldn’t degenerate into personal animosity, signaling a potential shift in how China’s tech giants approach market rivalry.
Behind the Scenes of the Unsuccessful Meeting
The exclusive revelation came when First Financial reporter directly questioned Liu about potential discussions with his Meituan counterpart. Liu confirmed he had extended an invitation to Wang Xing, but the Meituan CEO was reportedly occupied with international expansion efforts in Brazil alongside Didi’s Cheng Wei (程维).
The Middleman Attempt
When direct communication failed, mutual acquaintance Yao Jinbo (姚劲波) of 58.com attempted to facilitate dialogue through Meituan Senior Vice President Wang Puzhong (王莆中). This secondary approach also proved unsuccessful, with Wang Puzhong reportedly stating he wouldn’t attend without his boss’s participation, highlighting the hierarchical decision-making structure within Meituan.
The Philosophy of Healthy Competition
Liu’s comments reveal a distinctive approach to business rivalry that contrasts with the often-cutthroat competition in China’s tech sector. He emphasized that enterprises should compete through strategic advantages, business model innovation, and value creation rather than personal conflicts.
Respect Among Rivals
Despite the competitive tension, Liu expressed genuine respect for both Wang Xing and Wang Puzhong, stating: ‘I greatly respect Brother Xing and also appreciate Puzhong.’ This public display of professional courtesy marks a departure from the more aggressive rhetoric often seen in China’s competitive tech landscape.
Market Implications for Food Delivery Sector
China’s food delivery market represents one of the world’s most valuable battlegrounds, with Meituan controlling approximately 70% market share while JD.com’s delivery services continue expanding. The sector’s growth potential remains enormous, with transaction volumes exceeding 700 billion yuan annually and continuing double-digit growth.
Strategic Positioning
Liu’s comments suggest JD.com may be positioning itself as a more collaborative competitor, potentially seeking partnerships or operational efficiencies that could benefit consumers and stakeholders across the ecosystem. This approach to healthy competition could redefine how major platforms interact in overlapping service areas.
Regulatory Environment and Business Ethics
Liu’s stance aligns with recent regulatory guidance from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (国家市场监督管理总局), which has emphasized fair competition practices and discouraged anti-competitive behaviors. The authorities have increasingly focused on creating a more balanced competitive environment across digital platforms.
Industry-Wide Impact
The call for healthier competition comes as Chinese regulators scrutinize platform economics more closely. Recent antitrust measures have affected several tech giants, making constructive competition not just an ethical choice but a strategic necessity in the current regulatory climate.
Future of Platform Competition in China
Liu’s advocacy for professional respect among competitors may signal a new phase in China’s internet economy. As markets mature and regulatory oversight increases, established players appear to be adopting more measured approaches to competition that focus on sustainable growth rather than market dominance at any cost.
Global Perspectives on Business Rivalry
International investors often express concerns about the aggressive competition in China’s tech sector. Liu’s approach to healthy competition could make Chinese platforms more attractive to global capital by demonstrating mature corporate governance and long-term strategic thinking.
Strategic Takeaways for Market Participants
Liu’s comments offer valuable insights for investors, analysts, and industry observers tracking China’s competitive dynamics. The emphasis on value creation over personal conflict suggests a maturation of China’s business environment that could lead to more stable investment opportunities.
For institutional investors, this development underscores the importance of management quality and corporate culture when evaluating Chinese tech investments. Companies that prioritize professional competition and ethical business practices may represent lower regulatory risk and more sustainable growth prospects.
Market participants should monitor how this philosophy of healthy competition translates into actual business practices. If major players like JD.com and potentially Meituan embrace more constructive engagement, it could reduce competitive intensity and improve profitability across the sector.
Ultimately, Liu’s stance represents a welcome evolution in China’s business environment. By advocating for competition based on strategy and value creation rather than personal conflicts, industry leaders can foster a more sustainable ecosystem that benefits consumers, businesses, and investors alike.
