Thailand, China, Laos and Brunei already use the Chinese system, which currently consists of 16 operational satellites. PHOTO: AFP/ FILE
The Beidou, or Compass, system started providing services to civilians in the region in December and is expected to provide global coverage by 2020. It also has military applications.
Thailand, China, Laos and Brunei already use the Chinese system, which currently consists of 16 operational satellites, with 30 more due to join the system, according to English-language China Daily.
Huang Lei, international business director of BDStar Navigation, which promotes Beidou, told the newspaper the company would build a network of stations in Pakistan to enhance the location accuracy of Beidou.
He said building the network would cost tens of millions of dollars.
American website Defensenews.com reported early May that Pakistani military experts were in favour of using the Chinese system, even though the availability of the signal could not be guaranteed in case of conflict.
But according to one of them, Pakistan cannot place its trust in the United States.
“Pakistan's armed forces cannot rely on US GPS because of its questionable availability during a conflict that has overtones of nuclear escalation,” former Pakistan Air Force pilot Kaiser Tufail told the site.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang travels next week to Pakistan, a long time ally, after a visit to India.
COMMENTS (74)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@sagar:
Well, sir, let's make it clear that Pakistan has no concern with whatever is the intention of China for India behind such good relations with us. All we know is that they've been keeping good with us from the beginning and so we should try to be honest towards our relation. And as far as I think, and believe, that we're in such conditions which have tremendously made us reserved to our own business. Lastly, I appreciate your nation's concentration towards their good, and they're doing it very well indeed. Keep it up. Long live Pak-China friendship. Regards.
Firstly, china is fond of Pakistan only because of strategic advantage that it can have over India at war times. Secondly, if china believes that it can go to any extent without Pakistan your friendship with china? Answer yourself. Thirdly, if the economies between India and China continues to build the relation in any terms, imagine the consequence my dear neighbor. Fourth, please don't blame Indian R&D you don't deserve to.You know why! Fifth, please concentrate on building your own nation as we did from the day of our independence. Sixth, you are our beloved neighbor always and its up to you to retain it. Namaskar :)
@Pakistani Ostrich: Where did you get this spelling Muralee? My name is Murali not Muralee
@indi an: Whatever you think, sir.
@Murali Nair: Quite right. We belong to same race but we have different mind-sets, different societies, different ethics just because of different, distinctive religions. You have a nice thinking, but not everyone thinks that way. Both countries can never unite because of numerous differences and mental frustrations between them, but yes, we can stop aggression towards each other and have good relations. This can happen if our political disputes, e.g. Kashmir, will end. And it looks like "these days will never cease". Anyhow, we should give a friendship hand towards India, but it should be endured that it's very difficult to be done without wiping off all those political disputes coincinding between us both nations.
@Yuri Kondratyuk: Fully agree with your comment. @Pakistani Ostrich:- @Lala Gee and @Jat must have shared the highest number posts on a single forum in which the latter gave up having failed to convince the former.
I usually don't read what our lala and jat has to say. So they don't count. :D
@Yuri Kondratyuk: Fully agree with your comment.
@Pakistani Ostrich:- @Lala Gee and @Jat must have shared the highest number posts on a single forum in which the latter gave up having failed to convince the former.
@Pakistani Ostrich:
@Lala Gee does hold the ET record for the highest number of irrational posts!
@Shahid: IRNSS1 is more suitable for pakistan than Beidou , although it is not going to happen :P .
IRNSS1
@Shahid Very soon (may be within 2 months), We will be using its services before the end of this year. Inshaallah
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IRNSS-1
@Jack: Its a good idea, this way Pakistan can save lots of money as it would surely be cheaper to pay per usage time. But there would be another serious problem, the IRNSS1 would be way off target and with non precise coordinates which Pakistan cannot afford as we dont have surplus missiles or N weapons. We prefer to use Chinese Beidou as it is precise and extremely very accurate, with guaranteed availability during conflict and war runs. Thanks for the offer anyway, for using IRNSS1 when it will become operational;
Before india pak sharing defense secrets, Can muralee nair share with us the secret to have so many comments accepted by the moderator? I can confidently say, that muralee nair holds 'tribune' record for having posted most numbers of comments on a single article!!
@p r sharma: Sir, I declared that as my last post. There are hundred reasons and logic for my post. But I would like to keep my word that it was and will remain my last post on the subject. Wrote to you because you asked a question! Regards and Love, Murali Nair, Bangalore, India.
@Murali Nair: - Sir , whatever you are talking appears to be your wishes and wishes do not materialize of its own The ground reality is different and has to be accepted. You said that combined together our might (economy, knowledge, technology and prowess) will be more than that of China.but did not assign the reasons /. rationale except the emotions. Sorry impractical talk..
SOLD SOLD SOLD ! very cheaply to China !!
China to Pakistani = East India Company to Pre-Partitioned India
@zahid: For how long Zahid?
The truth is china should be wary of pakistan army which people of pakistan don't even trust. Elections 2013 are a living evidence.
Hope Pakistanis finally figure out the true north! #Siachen
@haider:
Dear Haider, this is my last post on this article. Do I need to say more, if I say that the Chancellor of IIST Trivandrum Kerala is none other than Dr. Kalam (incidentally he is also a Muslim, right?), the Chairman is none other than Dr. Radhakrishnan (a South Indian Hindu) and the Director is none other than Dr. KS Dasgupta (a Bengali?) Democracy and secularism has its own merits and values. Do I need say more Haider?
@Aschraful Makhlooq: Dear friend Aschraful, in geopolitics no one is a friend and no one is an enemy. It is all a matter of political expediency. Please do not be under the impression that China will continue to serve and protect Pakistan. The day the geopolitical scenario changes, their relationship with you will also change. So, do not be subservient to any one-why do you want to be subservient? Rather be independent. Bring up scientific institutions in Pakistan; let the children get educated and grow to responsible scientific positions as researchers and developers. They will change the nature of Pakistan from being subservient to being independent on your own.
@indi an: Why Indian? Why Pakistan should not dream of being "independent" in technology? They have as much right to dream it as much as we have in India! It is that dream that makes one work towards the achievement of that dream. They must dream to be independent and not being subservient to China! It is perfectly fine.
@haider: I have no intention to make you feel inferior or to insult you or Pakistan. But reality and truth need to be appreciated. I will just list down some of the glorious names from Indian space and defence research fields. Dr. Homi Baba, Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai, Dr. Satish Dhawan, Dr. Brahma Prakash, Dr. Abdul Kalam, Dr. P. Rajaratnam, Prof. MGK Menon, Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Dr. Raja Ramanna, Dr. Mahdavan Nair ..... I am sorry I cant remember more right off the cough because there are so many. The legacy continues to date, with the likes of Dr. VK Saraswat, Dr. Radhakrishnan, Dr. Avinash Chander, Dr. Tessy Thomas, Dr. Valarmathi, Dr. KS Dasgupta and scores of those scientists in ISRO, DRDO and allied institutions. How many names can you remember from Pakistan, Haider? Look my point is simple - its not possible for Pakistan to catch up and play a level playing role with India on this subject. Every nation has its own strengths and weaknesses. Pakistan too have its strengths and weaknesses, so does India. But on the subject, it is much better for Pakistan to collaborate with India than compete with India. Let me repeat, I have no intentions to make you feel inferior.
@haider: I guess you do not know how far India has moved on in space technology. Today, India is the only country where ISRO under Department of Space runs an "exclusive and dedicated" Space Technology Institute (Indian Institute of Space Technology, Near VSSC, Trivandrum, Kerala), which produced a set of 150 odd Space Scientists year after year, who are all dedicated solely to ISRO and other establishments under Department of Space. The whole education (under graduate, post graduate, doctoral and post doctoral) is fully funded by the Department of Space with the student guaranteeing to dedicate his employment to Department of Space. With 150 "dedicated" scientists joining ISRO and other establishments on an yearly note, do we need Russians any more? Haider: Be realistic please.
@Asif Butt: Asif, thank you. I am a strong believer in optimism. I am sure, nobody can stop us if the people of the two countries really want it.
Only China is sincere and honest with Pakistan as compared with USA and India and this is why China is providing every possible and easily accessible technology to Pakistan for advancements almost in every sector without any hidden and harmful intentions and objectives like USA because on first hand USA helps and provides aid to Pakistan and on the other hand misuses its authorities and power against Pakistan.And most especially importantly China has proven that it is Pakistan's all weather and time tested comrade with its sincerity and honesty by helping Pakistan under ever circumstances sans any selfishness and hidden harmful intentions and objectives......
Oh man‚ as much as our independent stance here makes me happy, I'm not sure US will like it and may react aggressively. They did not appreciate our stance on Iran pipeline.
Beidou, or Compass very welcome news Asia First!
@Murali Nair: Thank you for your New Ideology. This region needs one much similar to what you are saying.
And what you are suggesting is actually what the whole world fears and will not let happen at ay cost.
@W. S.: no harm in dreaming # nevamind :)
@haider: hahah..jealous my boy???u need to be...btw u can adopt the indian gps....coming up soon.... i wonder y pakistan hasnt launched a single sattelite yet despite being americas darling for years and chinas as of now...forget launching ...how about building one ?? :)
Having read the above commentary I am filled with optimism for the future generations of south Asia.
@grain of truth: Dear, today India has a Muslim population higher than all of Pakistan put together. Although in Indian terms, they constitute just 20% or so. So, where is the religion coming here? Moving forward, the wars will be fought on economic might and not on military might.
@Optimist: Absolutely. You are right.
@Murali Nair: I am sorry, I meant "in my eyes" and not in "my ears". I am sorry for the typographical error friends.
Alright, that's good. But I wish Pakistan to become a total "independent" country and struggle to be one of the most technological and influenced nations of the World, instead of working upon others.
For years China was working on Beidou Navigation system which covers south, southeast Asia, and some regions of Pacific which will be in some aspects rival to American GPS, Russian GLONAS and European Galileo being The Asia's mighty man it needs its own Navigation system for its Air, Sea, Land and Space assets and strategic weapons. As at times of conflict Publically available GPS may be partially blocked by US (Navy), or even its signals manipulated.
India has taken everything defense related from Russia. It would be better if India adopts Russian or American flag. India has never been anything without Russian crutches.
Dear , china is pakistan best friend , We are always extend arms to each other once it is required ,, China all system/ GPS will be available to pakistan even in war but USA will not be avialable. moreover it is impossible that pakistan can merge to india ,, But Pakistan will exist in world as independent state but it is possible that India will be part of Pakistan ,,,
@grain of truth: Sir, I agree with you. But, may I have a request? Either let us call ourselves Indians or "South Asians". Let us leave these words like Hindus and Muslims. I am sure we will be brothers. You have been quite logical in your comment and I respect you for the same. Lots of love and regards, Murali, Bangalore, India.
@Hassan: Thank you Hassan. I guess you are one among my students in India.
@Vectra: You are absolutely right. With Scientists of the caliber of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Dr. VK Saraswat, Dr. Avinash Chander, Dr. Tessy Thomas and Dr. Valarmathi in DRDO and the likes of Dr. Madhavan Nair, Dr. Radhakrishnan and Dr. Dasgupta in ISRO, India actually is scientifically independent. India associates with Russia, US., France, Israel and UK, just to get it a little faster. Otherwise, I think India has enough technological might to get it all by herself. Dr. Tessy Thomas may not remember me now; but we were University mates sometime when we were studying together. I always admired her for her brilliance and I continue to. And I put my right hand in salutation to her; now called the "Agni Putri". Such a scientific brilliance she is. I personally believe that India is India now, because it is a truly secular, democratic republic! I wish to see a similar Pakistan, in true sense of Mr. Jinnah's August 1947 Speech!
Reading the above fills one with optimism.
@ Murali Nair,
I admire your spirits but to reach to that level of friendship, first we need to build mutual trust. . Whether we like it or not, truth is there is a lot of mistrust between two nations. Lets solve this and start relying on each other in trade etc. When we have people whose interestes (e.g. trade) push them towards friendship, we can go to next level. Currently, we only have people who thrive in hatred. Let's isolate these people and create partnerships which make people winner if there is peace. If my business depends on India or Pakistan, I will automatically support that country.
@scotchpak: Dear Friend,it is near impossible to catch up with India in Space and Defense research anymore. It is better that India and Pakistan merge, if not geographically but at least culturally. I am wishing for the best, being an Indian. I am optimistic as my friends from Pakistan, Khan, Ajju, Miraj and Sahil are. Together, India and Pakistan can truly rule the world for the next 100 years; provided there is a political will. And, of course, provided there is no religious animosity.
@Murali Nair: Being a Pakistani engineering graduate, I fully agree with you!
It would appear that the Pakistan military understands that years of duplicitous behavior may have consequences. Your running out of friends and if India and China continue their reconciliation you may find yourselves friendless in a dangerous region of the World.
Having read all your comments from Pakistan, HOW MUCH MORE CAN I LOVE MY PAKISTANI BROTHERS AND SISTERS? In my ears tears are flowing down. My friends, I would like to some day come and visit the lanes of the river Indus; where both our origins took place after Saraswati dried. I am, by true means, crying now that we are two countries. Why we should not have been one country, except for the political expediency?
@grain of truth: Dear Sir, if only India and Pakistan merged together in terms other than geography - I do not know, we would be at some place. I am personally looking to Nawaz and Manmohan or even Advani to spearhead this.
This decision seems to be right and timely. Chinese GPS is expected to be more reliable than US GPS especially in using our defence equipment. As long as indigenization is concerned it is every one's wish. This wish can come true if required resources are made available. Parties forming Govt must task concerned ministries to seriously work on it if we want to be successful in on going war on terror and any future conflict.
@S: Yes, you are reading it right. Soon Pak and India will be brotherly. And people on both sides will just be the old brothers and sisters. Just as Amrita Pritam wrote; just as Mirza Ghalib wrote; just as Mir Taqi Mir wrote. In the end, every true human heart has got a lot of Rumi, just as much of Thulsi Das and Kabir Das and everyone who wrote of Kuran and Ramayan and not to mention Mahabharata. Look to positive days, and forget all the past negative times.
@hammad:
you are right
@Enlightened: I respect your views.
@Enlightened: Stop Sir.
how about also adopting the chinese flag chinese constitution and chinese currency ?
then pakistan will be like china.
@Murali Nair: I understand your concern of both countries being poles apart to each other but I am afraid you are addressing the same to another Indian who too share your views. However let me put you wiser that all Indians are taught in their school text books that Islam is a religion of peace and compassion and there is no reference of Pakistan as an enemy country whereas opposite is taught to Pakistanis about Hinduism and India. Therefore, rulers decide the destiny of a country and it may not be an easy task to reverse the same soon but nothing is impossible if the rulers of both countries decide to narrow the gap which appears to be on the cards as Nawaz Sharif takes over as Pak PM.
Why not opt for IRNSS1 of India
@Murali Nair: Lovely sentiment but its beyond politicians and governments. Change your education system and TV programming, then wait 10 years, with a lot of help from teachers and parents (mothers and fathers) and controlled contacts through tourism we may have hope. BUT the best time to start the process was sept 9 2001. India saw an opportunity to finish Pakistan and we in Pakistan watched in anticipation if India would walk with us. The tiger cant change - that the truth of it all
am i reading the comments right? are the indians here are now talking about Pak and India being brotherly nation? it didnt take long for them to come down to earth...
@Murali Nair: Pakistan allegedly killed one Indian prisoner who was on death row. India responded by killing one pakistani prisoner and injuring another back to back. India alleged Pakistan decapitated two soldiers in Laddakh. Heightened the conflict and then went silent all of a sudden once media called its bluff. As long as there are war mongering people in govt. and military, please be realistic. I have mentioned only two most recent events.
I tend to agree with murali that Pakistan and India should definitely try and find common ground as we were once a single federation we can again become one. When partition occurred muslims were marginilised which was at the behest of the British, however now Muslims in Pakistan and Bangladesh are on their feet and cannot be marginilised again. Therefore it makes sense to come togather and find common ground as ultimatley we have far more in common with each other then with the Europeans and or the Chinese or the USA. I look forward to a Asian union at some stage in the future when I can visit my ggrandfathers haunts in Delhi and see the place where my grandfather use to go and see Agra in all all its glory.
@scotchpak:
Stop hatred. Work for brotherly love, peace and humanity.
@Enlightened: Sir, being from Bangalore, the technology hub of India, it looks to me as Pakistan is subservient to China in Defense. Why should Pakistan be a servant? Why can not the two brothers of Indian subcontinent put their might together? Together we are far batter than China and even US! Why, why not? Why we cannot be the brothers that we used to be a hundred years ago? Why do we have to be enemies just because two political leaders, one in India and one in Pakistan, wanted to gain power in 1947? Why should these two past politicians govern the current times after 65 years of roller coaster history? At 2013, why cant the two generations of people correct what has gone incorrect in our past? Of course, I do understand the political compulsions on both sides; but we can at least make some social forums to become a "house of one mother"
This is my personal point of view, and on this I will not claim to represent Indian voice. Is Pakistan caught between the devil and the deep sea when it comes to defense research? You got to opt for one: Either China or US, OR still better be on your own. One cannot be marrying to women and put them in the same kitchen (in this case China and US). India has gone far too ahead in R&D in Defense Systems and I personally do not think Pakistan can catch up in near future; being in Bangalore where ISRO and BEL are headquartered, I know how far India is in relative terms to Pakistan R&D. If I understand correctly, India has been exporting its Defense Research Capability for the past 20 years now. It is a fact and it is a reality. Why not to be the good old brothers and sisters of the sub continent, instead of investing millions and billions of dollars to prove {one-up-man-ship?") that I am better than you between the two countries? India and Pakistan put together is a little more than China, in all ways including Science and Technology.
Good news....this is more for a military/airforce use then a consumer level use....remember, most of the new fighter jets rely on GPS...and this move is more of securing airforce assets and having more control over it.
ET report is incomplete as China shall be providing exclusive military usage of this system to Pak military from June 2013 onwards along with its own peoples liberation army(PLA).
Why cannot they do three in one satellites. So we can have GPS, mobile phones and TV in one satellite. Surely I am not the first to have thought of it.
@Babablacksheep: and you are so thankless after getting so much from U.S.A
@Vectra: you should be thankful to Russia
Some time ago I was talking to a marine navigator and he tld me that US has domination over all satellite systems and they have the configured the system such that it cannot be used for war purpose.
@scotchpak
its not for you . you can use GPS.
Hope I can read it... I am a engleese medium student