Line Corp. said Tuesday it has teamed up with Tencent, China¡¯s largest messaging app provider, to allow Chinese travelers in Japan to make cashless payments via smartphone.

Line, Japan¡¯s messaging app giant with 78 million users, is stepping up its bid to become a major cashless payment platform by targeting Chinese tourists, who represent the biggest group of foreign travelers to Japan.

During a Tokyo event, Line also said it will offer a banking service with Mizuho Bank. Line will own 51 percent of the planned joint firm and aims to launch services in 2020.