China Hosts Summit to Propel BeiDou Navigation System Applications
Zhuzhou, Hunan Province—The city buzzed with innovation as the 3rd International Summit on BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) applications commenced on Thursday. Aiming to amplify industry growth, the summit focuses on expanding BDS applications and fostering international collaboration.
Drawing over 1,800 researchers, entrepreneurs, and officials from China and abroad, the two-day event transformed Zhuzhou into a hub of technological advancement. Exhibitors showcased cutting-edge BDS applications across diverse sectors, from smart logistics to intelligent transportation, demonstrating the system’s vast potential.
“BDS applications are rapidly permeating key sectors of China’s national economy,” remarked Xiang Libin, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission and an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. “Coverage rates have surpassed 90 percent in areas such as transportation, energy, natural resources, and emergency response.”
Adding to the momentum, a bluebook detailing the development of the BeiDou industry was unveiled during the opening ceremony. The document highlighted BDS’s expanding global reach: “BDS services and related products have been exported to more than 130 countries, providing users with diversified choices and a better application experience while promoting industrial development.”
The journey of the Chinese-made BDS began in 1994. The initial phases saw the completion of BDS-1 in 2000 and BDS-2 in 2012. The milestone achievement came on July 31, 2020, when BDS-3 was completed and put into service, elevating China to become the third country with an independent global navigation satellite system.
The system’s impact is reflected in its economic contributions. According to the White Paper on the Development of China’s Satellite Navigation and Location Services Industry (2024), the industry’s total output value reached 536.2 billion yuan (approximately $75.2 billion) in 2023, marking a 7.09 percent increase over the previous year.
The summit not only celebrates these achievements but also sets the stage for future growth. By bringing together global minds and showcasing innovative applications, China is positioning BDS as a cornerstone in the global navigation landscape, offering new opportunities for international cooperation and technological advancement.
Reference(s):
China hosts summit to boost BeiDou navigation system applications
cgtn.com
