China has successfully launched the fifth satellite that will add to its indigenous satellite navigation and positioning network.

The satellite was launched from the Long March 3I carrier rocket, which carried out the 126th flight of the Long March series.

China is creating its own independent global positioning system to end its dependence on the US system and currently has four satellites in orbit, which will eventually increase to 35.

The country sent the first two orbiters up in 2000. The system that will provide navigation, time and short message services in the Asia and Pacific region before 2012 and provide global navigation services by 2020.