China sent the last satellite to space on Tuesday to complete its global navigation system that will help wean it off U.S. technology in this area.
The network known as Beidou, which has been in the works for over two decades, is a significant step for China’s space and technology ambitions.
Beidou is a rival to the U.S. government-owned Global Positioning System (GPS), which is widely-used across the world.
Experts previously told CNBC that Beidou will help China’s military stay online in case of a conflict with the U.S. But the launch is also part of Beijing’s push to increase its technological influence globally.
Source: Beidou: China completes rival to the US-owned GPS system
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