The Chinese mapping service application Baidu Maps now prioritizes the use of China’s in-house BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) over the U.S.-operated Global Positioning System (GPS). Analysts believe the move would allow the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to expand the reach and use of its in-house satellite navigation system to more countries. According to Chinese media…

The sales volume of ‘Made in China’ BeiDou chips has exceeded 100 million and related products have been exported to more than 120 countries and regions, according to China’s official report, which also said BeiDou’s role in countering U.S. rival GPS, as well as its significance for China’s national defense strategy, is “beyond description.” According…

Right before the United States and Iran were going to hold indirect talks on April 6, the Chinese and Iranian foreign ministers signed a 25-year Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement (CSCA) in Tehran on March 27; as part of the agreement, China will provide Iran access to its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) to enhance Iran’s combat…

Commentary The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) calls the BeiDou satellite navigation system (BeiDou or BDS) a pillar of great power, a global espionage tool. It is suitable for use in various fields such as the military, transportation, communications, and urban surveillance. According to its website, “the BDS provides all-time, all-weather and high-accuracy positioning, navigation and…

A Chinese truck driver was fined $305 when the truck’s China-made Beidou navigation system (BDS) receiver failed on April 5. He then committed suicide at a checkpoint and left a note revealing a sad phenomenon in China. His brother, also a truck driver, talked to Chinese media on April 6 about how a driver can’t…