Uber just announced a deal today with the company that runs one of the largest robotaxi fleets in China, as the ridehail giant nears its goal of becoming the world’s ultimate autonomous vehicle clearinghouse.

Uber and Baidu soon want to offer robotaxi services outside China and the USA. A newly signed strategic partnership provides for thousands of Baidu's

Tesla expanded the ‘geofence’ for its robotaxi pilot service in Austin, Texas, less than a month after its launch.

Uber has partnered with a number of firms for robotaxi services, but this latest alliance is getting more attention than most.

Uber and China-based Baidu are partnering up to deploy more autonomous vehicles around the globe. This is a multi-year deal.

Jefferies views Baidu's (BIDU) newly announced partnership with Uber (UBER) for robotaxi services in Asia (excl. China) and the Middle East as a positive, which underscores the Chinese company's leading position in autonomous technology.