The Beidou constellation It is not a simple duplicate of the GPS: has unique features. Its accuracy for civil uses is comparable (within 2-5 meters), but can reach one centimetric-dental levels with the use of terrestrial stations and premium services. In addition, it includes a Quick alert system for earthquakes and other natural emergencies and has anHybrid infrastructure (Meo, Geo, IGSO) which offers redundancy and localization capacity advanced on large areas. Compared to the GPS, Beidou offers some exclusive features. In addition to a messaging service satellite, which allows you to send Short text messages Through the Beidou terminals even in the absence of cell network, the location is faster and the accuracy is more advanced, at least in the area of ​​Asia-Pacific.
Satellite self -sufficiency
With the early completion of the system, China has done something that So far only the United States they had managed to do with the GPS: Build a GNSS system (Global navigation satellite system) operational, global, precise, e autonomous. In fact, Beijing has reached thesatellite self -sufficiency.
Through Agreements with over 120 countriesBeidou is becoming it alternative standard In Asia, Africa, Middle East and Latin America. Agricultural drones, connected vehicles, telecommunications: everyone can be “Beidou-compatible“. In many developing countries, China offers Free access and training on Beidou, integrating it with the 5G Huawei, The satellites for the observation of the Earth and the projects of Belt and Road Initiative (new silk road). This creates Parallel technological ecosystemsdifficult to defuse.
But the challenge is not only technical: it is, as mentioned, also geopolitical. The Beidou constellation has become one instrument of soft power. Through the strengthening of the digital silk road, China is exporting terminals, infrastructures and beidou applications into dozens of countries of the so -called global South. But also of influenza: States such as Pakistan, Thailand, Laos, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have already signed cooperation agreements. Also, Beidou allows the Chinese armed forces not to depend on an American system anymore. In case of crisis, China can count on its own network to drive drones, missiles, submarines and shipswith centimeter precision.
The fears of the West
Despite the technological advantages, the West looks with growing concern to Beidou’s expansion. The reasons are manifold. First of all there is the data security: sharing of location with a system controlled by the Chinese government raises several doubts about the privacy and on national security. Then there is the technological dependence in emerging countries. According to several observers, Beidou’s adoption in Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asian could make these regions more vulnerable to the geopolitical pressure of Beijing. And then there is an aspect linked to the so -called Info war: in scenarios of military tension and of future warfarethe ability to disturb or interfere with rival systems becomes a strategic weapon.
The early positioning of the latest Beidou satellite is not just a technical milestone. It is the tangible proof that China has fully entered between great spatial and digital powerscapable of shaping 21st century infrastructures. With its autochthonous system, China therefore reaches three strategic objectives.
Primo: breaks the dependence on the GPSespecially for critical applications. Second: gets complete and sovereign control of their positioning infrastructures e timing. Third: It can offer an alternative network to emerging countriesin particular to those who orbit in his sphere of influence. With over a trillion of locations a day, Beidou It is no longer an “alternative project”. Is a global system capable of redefine the balance Technological, military and economic of the planet.
