As a reference, the world's largest radio telescope is RATAN-600 in the Russian Federation.
China’s new telescope is located in the Guizhou province, in an isolated valley. Moreover, nearly 9,000 local resident have been resettled from the area in case there are magnetic disruptions. The displaced families received the compensation in amount of approximately a year’s salary.
FAST is capable of forming a parabolic mirror, what allows scientists more flexibility. A 500 meters wide apparatus can offer a 300-meter dish that can be pointed anywhere ±40° from the zenith.
Aperture Spherical Telescope will monitor neutral hydrogen in galaxies, and is set a task to detect pulsars and gravitational waves, as well as search for signs of extra-terrestrial life.