Joint Statement on Civil Signal Compatibility and Interoperability Between the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS)

December 4, 2017

In May 2014, China Satellite Navigation Office and the Office of Space and Advanced Technology, U.S. Department of State, jointly established the U.S.-China Civil GNSS Cooperation Dialogue, a bilateral government-to-government mechanism to promote cooperation between the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Chinese BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS). Over the past three years, representatives and experts from both sides have studied and discussed various topics related to civil service provision and user applications, among which BDS compatibility and civil interoperability with GPS is one of the core focus areas. Both sides have carried out extensive in-depth analysis, and have engaged in persistent discussion and coordination. As a result, the two sides have reached the following consensus conclusions regarding compatibility and interoperability between GPS and BDS:

  1. Consistent with the bilateral frequency compatibility coordination completed in 2010, GPS and BDS are radio frequency compatible under the framework of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); and
  2. The GPS L1C and BDS B1C civil signals, using two different types of multiplexed binary offset carrier (MBOC) waveforms are interoperable, which means users can receive better service by jointly using these civil signals without a significant increase in receiver cost or complexity.

Both sides agree to continue their consultations and cooperation related to compatibility and interoperability in order to provide better services for global users.

/signature of Ran Chengqi/
China Satellite Navigation Office

/signature of David A. Turner/
Office of Space and Advanced Technology
U.S. Department of State

View media note (state.gov)