Locating system to help improve navigation (3)

The system currently includes 16 satellites and many ground operation centers and control centers.

According to Cao, the ministry is planning to develop more services from Beidou.

"For example, most navigation devices now receive signals but don't reveal the user's position. We can develop special positioning devices for older citizens and children, which allow family members to find them if they are missing," the vice-minister said.

On Oct 25, a 16th satellite was added to the Beidou system, paving the way for the network to provide services to the Asia-Pacific.

China has successfully launched six satellites for Beidou this year to eventually weave a constellation of 35 satellites by 2020, at which point it will rival GPS and GLONASS for services around the planet.

"We are now adapting the number and layout of the satellites to complete a global network for better civil use," Cao said.

"Different from other systems, Beidou is an open system. It allows operations with other satellite navigation systems.

"We also welcome international companies to develop devices and services for users based on Beidou, we welcome the competition brought by foreign companies," he said.