BEIJING - China's indigenous satellite navigation system Beidou started providing initial operational services, including positioning, navigation and timing, to China and its surrounding areas from Tuesday, a spokesman for the system said.

Six more satellites will be launched in 2012 to further expand the service area of Beidou system to most parts of Asia-Pacific region, spokesman Ran Chengqi, who is also director of China satellite navigation system management office, told a press conference in Beijing.