WeChat overseas user number hits 70 million

WeChat, a popular social networking application developed by Chinese Internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd, has attracted more than 70 million overseas users, a company executive said on Wednesday.

"WeChat has successfully entered South Asia markets, such as India, Thailand and Malaysia," said Martin Lau, Tencent president. Other major markets include Mexico and South America.

The number using WeChat overseas reached 40 million in April and 50 million in May.

Lau also pledged to further develop Tencent's presence outside the Chinese mainland.

"We see the mobile Internet industry as the biggest chance to take our business abroad," said Lau. "Tencent is ready to enter the world stage."