Full Text: China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System

The Chinese government has detailed the development of its homegrown BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS).

In a white paper, China explains its three-step strategy for developing the BDS. The first step focused on providing services to domestic users. The second step to expand services to Asia-Pacific region was achieved by the end of 2012. The third step, expected to be completed around 2020, targets the deployment of 35 interlinked satellites to service global users.

The BeiDou project launched in 1994 is developed to safeguard China’s national security, boost its economic and social development, and improve living standards. At a press conference, a spokesman for the BDS emphasized international cooperation.

“We have made progress in international cooperation. From a bilateral aspect, we have started cooperation with the U.S., Russia and Europe. Two rounds of inter-government dialogue have been held with U.S. authorities,” said Ran Chengqi, Beidou System spokesman.

“A series of agreements have been signed. We have also set up joint committee with Russia concerning the BeiDou collaboration. From a multilateral standpoint, we are an active participant in the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems. China has been playing an increasingly crucial role in this field.”