Food Delivery War

Meituan’s local commerce CEO, Wang Putao, addressed concerns about China’s food delivery “war,” acknowledging user anxieties and merchant fatigue caused by intense competition and subsidies. He suggested a return to “rational business judgment” as a path to resolution. Wang outlined potential war-ending scenarios, including annexation, stalemate, or external intervention. Industry insiders view the delivery battle as a platform competition for instant retail dominance, but the long-term sustainability of heavy subsidization is questioned. The benefits for riders and consumers are likely temporary.