If You're a Foreigner Using GPS In China, You Could Be a Spy 219
tedlistens writes "China has accused Coca Cola of espionage for its 'illegal mapping,' allegedly with the use of GPS 'devices with ultra high sensitivity.' On its face the case looks like yet another example of China's aggressive sensitivity about its maps, no doubt heightened by its ongoing fracas with the U.S. over cyberwar. Li Pengde, deputy director of the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation, said during a radio interview on Tuesday that the Coca Cola case was only one of 21 similar cases involving companies using GPS devices in Yunnan to 'illegally obtain classified information.' According to Chinese authorities, geographical data can be used by guided missiles to strike key military facilities — a concern that one GPS expert says is overblown at a time when the U.S. government already has high-precision satellite maps of China. Nevertheless, Chinese law dictates that foreigners, be they companies or individuals, are prohibited from using highly-sensitive GPS equipment in China."
Bad idea? (Score:5, Funny)
Maybe they shouldn't have Coca-Cola deliver refreshments to their secret military installations? ;)
Re:Bad idea? (Score:3, Funny)
Hey, given how frequently my employers want to send me to China to train their idiotic "engineers", knowing all I have to do is possess a sensitive GPS device is all I need to know.
I await the banhammer China, [sung to the mighty mouse theme] here I come to train your slaves!
Re:Legitimate complaint? (Score:0, Funny)
It's knowing which freaking road you're on when there are several close together.
Hahah, And how was it done in 1954? 1920? 1850? 1776? 300 BC?
Milestones? Signs? Trees? Rocks? Maps? Cobblestones? Service Station?
I mean really do you need that GPS on the Yellow Brick Road? After all, all you need do is,
1. take a BIG HIT of HELIUM
2. Sing Loudly , " follow the yellow brick road. "