Xinhua News Flash: President Xi Jinping stated at the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization+” meeting that all parties are welcome to use the BeiDou satellite navigation system and invited interested countries to participate in the construction of the International Lunar Research Station.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance originally founded in 2001 by China, Russia, and four Central Asian states, evolving from a 1990s-era agreement on border security. It aims to promote cooperation on regional security, economic development, and cultural exchange among its member states.
BeiDou satellite navigation system
The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is a Chinese satellite-based radio navigation system, developed as an independent alternative to the US-operated GPS. Its development began in the 1990s, and it achieved global coverage with the completion of its third-generation network in 2020. The system is used for transportation, disaster relief, agriculture, and other civilian and military applications worldwide.
International Lunar Research Station
The International Lunar Research Station is a planned collaborative lunar base led by China and Russia, with its history beginning with a 2021 agreement between the two nations. It is envisioned as a comprehensive scientific experiment base built on the lunar surface or in orbit, intended for long-term autonomous operation. The project aims to facilitate peaceful exploration and utilization of the Moon, with potential involvement from other international partners.