Alibaba’s Dual Strategy: Advancing AI Infrastructure and Autonomous Logistics

Alibaba Group is making concurrent strategic moves to solidify its position in two critical technological arenas: artificial intelligence infrastructure and automated delivery systems. These parallel developments highlight the company's focus on leveraging automation and advanced computing to enhance its core operations.

In a significant development for its artificial intelligence ambitions, Alibaba is among a group of Chinese technology giants reportedly receiving conditional government approvals to purchase Nvidia's advanced H200 chips. According to Reuters, Alibaba, alongside ByteDance and Tencent, has been granted preliminary clearance to acquire more than 400,000 of these high-performance processors collectively.

However, the path to deployment remains complex. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, indicated in Taipei that the final licensing details are still being finalized. Sources suggest the approval process involves restrictive conditions, which have so far prevented automatic conversion of these clearances into firm purchase orders. For Alibaba, securing these chips is strategically vital, as they are intended to power its Qwen AI models and bolster the computational capacity of Alibaba Cloud, forming the backbone of its cloud and AI service offerings.

Logistics Merger Creates Autonomous Delivery Giant

Simultaneously, Alibaba is restructuring its logistics operations to accelerate automation. Its logistics subsidiary, Cainiao, is merging its autonomous driving unit with Chinese specialist firm Zelos Technology. This merger, reported by Reuters and The Wall Street Journal, will create a new entity named Cainiao Robovan, which carries an estimated valuation of approximately $2 billion.

The operational scale of this combination is substantial. The joint fleet is projected to encompass over 20,000 automated delivery vehicles (Robovans). Under the reported agreement, Zelos will assume management of the combined operations. In exchange, Alibaba will acquire a stake in Zelos, and a Cainiao executive is expected to join the Zelos board of directors. This partnership effectively combines Alibaba's technological and logistical expertise with Zelos's specialized experience in operating autonomous vehicle networks.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Alibaba?

Key Details of the Cainiao-Zelos Merger:
* New Entity: Cainiao Robovan
* Valuation: Around $2 billion USD
* Combined Fleet: Exceeds 20,000 Robovans
* Structure: Alibaba takes a stake in Zelos; Zelos manages daily operations
* Governance: A Cainiao executive will join the Zelos board

Strategic Synergy and Market Context

These initiatives are interconnected, both aiming to drive greater automation and efficiency across Alibaba's ecosystem. The Robovan venture directly targets the automation of last-mile delivery logistics, while the pursuit of advanced AI chips seeks to secure the computational foundation necessary for next-generation cloud services and AI products.

In recent trading, Alibaba's shares showed minimal movement, edging up to €148.00 from €147.00. This stability occurs within a broader context of recent volatility, following a significant 30-day advance. Investors are likely awaiting more concrete financial evidence of progress in these strategic areas.

The next opportunity for a detailed assessment will come with the release of the company's quarterly results, scheduled for February 18–19, 2026. This report may provide clearer metrics on the financial impact of its AI and cloud investments and the momentum of its logistics strategy.