China and EU reiterated their commitment to their cooperation on developing their own aerospace technology to offer better tech support for the progress of the human community.  

Nobody can dominate the space. The Galileo Program will be completed by around 2008. The Sino-EU cooperation on aerospace technology for the bliss of the human society is irreversible. This is the consensus reached between insiders from China and EU.

It is widely agreed that breaking the tech monopoly in the aerospace is the fundamental principle of the China-EU aerospace alliance.

Insiders believe the Galileo system can be compatible with the global positioning system (GPS) developed by the US. With an error less than a meter, Galileo can be used to secure safe take-off and landing of flights or running trains.

The cooperation between China and EU on the aerospace also drew the world's attention at the International Air Show that just concluded in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, on November 7.

"Galileo satellite navigation system enjoys promising prospect in China's transportation and telecommunication sectors. China joins the system for civil purpose only," Fang Xiangming, vice general manager of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation declared this clearly for the first time during the air show.

He added that as a new generation of satellite based navigation system the Galileo offers a more reliable, more accurate and safer roadmap for users.

Philippe Camus, CEO of European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company stated at Zhuhai air show that the successful development of the Galileo would break the US monopoly. He confirmed the purpose of Galileo was for civil use and viewed the market competition as the reason behind the rumors swirling around it.

Camus described their cooperation strategy with China as perfect which has been evidenced by his company's successful experience. He proposed to regard China's aeronautic and aerospace industry a "permanent partner" of his company.

Camus, also chairman of French Aerospace Industry Association promised that all the 25 EU members would involve into the Galileo Program that was a result of a decision collectively made by the EU.

He vowed to get done with the Galileo Program and viewed China as a natural partner of the program.

A Chinese spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ever made it very clear that Sino-EU cooperation on Galileo is devised for the technology and industry of navigation absolutely for civil purpose and has no intent to be directed to any third party.

Prodi, chairman of European Commission (EC) stressed at the launch of the Galileo that the program carried direct bearing on the future of Europe and should be regarded as a fight between monopoly and antimonopoly, as well as a battle in the diplomatic front involving politics, economy, military and national interests.

Even Boeing has seen the prospect of Galileo's breakthrough in tearing down the global predominance of GPS. For customers, competition brings benefits. Boeing said that the space belongs to the public though the company was a major industrial partner of GPS.

Insiders believe Galileo Program is a symbol of global cooperation on aerospace development pushed forward by China. Partnership is also built between Chin and Brazil and Russia on aerospace tech for peaceful and civil purpose.

The Fifth Conference of the Space Cooperation Sub-committee under the committee of regular meeting between Chinese and Russian premiers was held in August this year to discuss the areas of coordination, the progress of the planning of the cooperation for the next two years, the establishment of offices. The two sides were determined to deepen the bilateral cooperation on the aerospace to be commensurate with the strategic partnership between China and Russia.

Insiders see China's extensive global tech collaboration as its aerospace industry develops fast.

"The world is in a time full of competition. And it calls for communication and cooperation for a win-win result," said Zhang Yunchuan, director of Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense during Zhuhai air show.

"China will adhere to its basic policy of opening-up and reform. It will encourage and support enterprises and institutions to play an active role in international cooperation and communication on flights and aerospace within the framework of the country's foreign policy and international protocols with China as a signatory," Zhang noted.

(People's Daily November 10, 2004)