As a more interesting question, is there any difference between saying SoftBank is competing with Uber and that SoftBank has hedged against an Uber investment? I feel like the latter may be more the framing of these investments.
One of the next steps for those companies is probably to get roaming agreements with each other: When I'm in a country where, e.g., Uber doesn't operate I'd still like to be able to use the Uber app to order cars from whatever local companies Uber has an agreement with.
The further complication is that Didi only accepts patent through a China bank account. As a result, you usually need a local friend to book your ride, even if you pay cash.
Uber "seems" everywhere, but is largely North American.
This was because Uber did not provide adequate insurance for rides and did not comply with German transportation law.