China plans to launch more than 100 satellites before 2020 to form a global earth observation system with satellites launched by other nations.

The network would monitor water reserves, forests, farmland, city construction and "various activities of society," said Shao Liqin, an official with the Ministry of Science and Technology, at the ongoing 18th plenary session of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites.

The aim is that "we can obtain necessary data on any event through watching the Earth from space, which is vitally helpful for the country's economic and social development," said Shao.

China regularly sends research satellites into orbit. In October 2003, it became the third nation to successfully put a man in space.

Systematic observations of the earth include that of the atmosphere, water, land, mining resources, water resources and ecosystem. No single country or international organization could offer complete observations of all the areas, said experts.

Combining observation platforms of many nations enables all nations to share information. In April, 44 nations and 26 international organizations formally approved the establishment of a global earth observation system.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2004)