Starbucks this week brought its popular mobile-payment system to China as more than 2,200 stores nationwide are now equipped to handle such transactions, according to a press release from the coffee giant.

"Our customers in China have a very high expectation of their digital experience and we are thrilled that the new mobile payment experience will enhance and transform the way we connect and build a meaningful relationship with them," Belinda Wong, president of Starbucks China, said in a statement. "With the ongoing seismic shift in consumer behavior due to mobile technology, Starbucks is committed to exploring new ways to leverage digital innovations to deliver an elevated Starbucks Experience to our customers. We are confident our social, web, mobile, loyalty and card assets will deliver greater value and convenience to our customers, while further differentiating the brand in China."

Starbucks first introduced gift cards to its Chinese customers in 2014.

The company's mobile-payment system is the latest to debut in China. Apple earlier this year rolled out Apple Pay in the country and that was followed by Samsung Pay, and both companies made seperate deals with payment network China UnionPay. Android Pay has yet to debut in the country.