Originally published on December 31, 2013

China says it will improve its Beidou navigation system to better compete with America's GPS system.

The one-year-old Beidou satellite navigation system currently has 16 satellites serving the Asia-Pacific region. The number of satellites in the system is expected to grow to 30 by 2020 to give Beidou global coverage. Beidou currently has an accuracy of about 4.5 meters (15 feet).

The deployment of Beidou is vital for guiding Chinese warships and fighter planes. The Chinese government also wants Beidou to be used for commercial satellite navigation services for cars and mobile phones. China is encouraging other countries in Asia to adopt Bedou by offering the service free. Stations are being built in Pakistan, and Thailand has already signed up for the service.

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