BEIJING - China on Thursday announced new rules governing ridesharing services, making clear for the first time that they are now legal in a giant market where US-based Uber is at loggerheads with local rival Didi Chuxing. Didi Chuxing said it was "the first time" any government had legalised online car-booking services at the national level, hailing the move as a "milestone". "The legitimacy of internet ride-booking services are clarified" in new regulations on taxi industry reforms and regulations on car-hailing apps, Liu said. Under the rules, the provinces where ridesharing apps are registered can issue them with a licence valid nationwide. They "send a clear message of support for ridesharing and the benefits that it offers riders, drivers, and cities," it said in a statement.

Source: Bangkok Post July 28, 2016 10:52 UTC