China has published the data for its BeiDou satellite navigation system — and hold on, because what seemed like a simple technological balance sheet is actually a reflection of the geopolitical power of a country that has managed to build a reliable alternative to GPS in just two decades!
BeiDou began as a military project in the 1990s, but has now become the cornerstone of an Asian country’s technological and diplomatic strategy, being recognized by the UN (United Nations) as a global navigation provider.
And wait!! It has not only broken the dependence on the United States for satellite navigation, but it has also convinced 140 countries to join its network!!! This is not only important for engineers, but a clear example of how China has learned to reduce its technological vulnerabilities. Want to know more?