The Intense Power Play in China’s Food Delivery Sector

China’s food delivery industry is not just a marketplace; it’s a battleground where billionaire ambitions collide with economic realities. Richard Liu’s JD.com, which has been trying to position itself as the more ethical and worker-friendly alternative, has recently intensified its efforts to challenge the seasoned dominance of Wang Xing’s Meituan. For example, JD’s recent campaigns have highlighted commitments to better treatment for delivery riders, emphasizing transparency and fairness—an effort to win customer trust. Conversely, Meituan, known for its vast array of services—from restaurant bookings to package deliveries—remains the industry leader due to sheer volume and innovation. Yet, the rivals’ growing animosity recently spilled over into accusations that each is deliberately blocking riders from accepting orders from the other—moves that could choke off workers’ income streams and disrupt service for millions of consumers. This heated exchange has already wiped over US$13 billion from their combined market values, reflecting how investor confidence has become perilously fragile. Beyond mere competition, this showdown demonstrates how billionaire egos and strategic manipulations can alter the entire landscape of China’s gig economy—potentially redefining what efficiency, fairness, and market control truly mean in this high-stakes arena.