Xi urges wider int'l cooperation in satellite navigation

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Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday the international community should strengthen coordination and cooperation in satellite navigation, as well as promote its global application.

He made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to the opening ceremony of the 13th meeting of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG) in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Nov. 5.

As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the first United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Xi pointed out that a satellite navigation system is a major part of the space infrastructure, providing all-time positioning, navigation and timing services to global users, which plays a vital role in social development.

He also stressed that due to the great importance attached upon the system and wider cooperation with other countries, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) has been one of China's great accomplishments over the 40 years since its reform and opening up.

"The BDS will be in place to serve the Belt and Road countries and regions by the end of the year and provide services to global users by 2020. A more sound, integrated and smarter system will be available before 2035," he added.

Xi also called on people at the meeting to exchange information and ideas, and make more contributions to humanity.