(Yicai Global) Sept. 20 -- China has launched two new satellites to upgrade its BeiDou navigation system to meet an increasing demand from international allies. 

Southwestern China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center sent the 13th and the 14th Beidou-3 satellites successfully into orbit with the Long March 3B carrier rocket yesterday at 10.07 p.m., state-backed Xinhua News Agency reported. The two spacecraft are the 37th and the 38th such spacecraft the country has incorporated into the Beidou Navigation Satellite System.

China is creating a group of 18 BeiDou-3 satellites this year to provide services to countries participating in its Belt and Road investment plan which spans over 70 former Silk Road countries. The two already launched members are equipped to provide emergency alert and location services for users around the world.

Editor: Emmi Laine