A Signal Point of Failure: Integrating BeiDou into U.S. Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Systems

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While serving on the National Security Council staff in the Biden administration, I was tasked with strengthening the resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure, namely its reliance on GPS for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems. With little funding or congressional support, I proposed integrating China’s BeiDou satellite navigation system as a backup for civilian use to enhance redundancy and interoperability across the private sector, including in critical infrastructure. The proposal raised eyebrows. Over time, however, it gained traction with key stakeholders across the executive branch, including the National Security Council, the National Space Council, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Department of Transportation. Unfortunately, the administration’s time in office ended before I could bring the proposal to a broader group of agencies for review and approval. A new opportunity may now be on the horizon.

The United States relies heavily on GPS for PNT support. GPS enables countless aspects of our daily lives, from banking to air travel, to electricity. This dependence is a vulnerability, as GPS signals are easily jammed or spoofed and could be targeted by adversaries. While the first Trump administration did recognize the need to strengthen PNT resilience, it narrowly focused on bolstering U.S. systems or using friendly alternatives.

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A Signal Point of Failure: Integrating BeiDou into U.S. Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Systems - War on the Rocks

While serving on the National Security Council staff in the Biden administration, I was tasked with strengthening the resilience of U.S. critical

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