Quantum Communications & Quantum Computing: China Has Ambitious Plans
(CTGN.News) IQT-News summarizes here an article by Djoomart Otorbaev is the former prime minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, a distinguished professor of the Belt and Road School of Beijing Normal University, and a member of Nizami Ganjavi International Center.
Scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) reported fundamental advances in quantum communications and quantum computing in three papers published on arXiv.org on June 28 and 29.
In one, researchers used nanometer-sized semiconductors called quantum dots to transmit single photons over 300 kilometers of fiber. This result was more than 100 times better than all previous attempts.
In another, scientists improved their photonic quantum computer from 76 detected photons to 113, which significantly increased its “quantum advantage.” It shows how much faster it is than traditional computers at one specific task.
The third paper presented the Zu Chongzhi quantum computer, consisting of 66 superconducting qubits. It used 56 of them to solve a particular problem, which exceeded the computational speed achieved by 53-qubit computers applied by Google Sycamore and set a performance record in 2019 .
Otorbaev explains this year begins implementing China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, which sets goals and strategies for the country’s economic development until 2025. The plan resulted from joint action with the government’s official political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
As part of this document, by the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan, it is planned to develop quantum computers with more than a few hundred qubits.
There have been few other outstanding results in the field of quantum computing. In one example, a Chinese startup has announced plans to sell a quantum desktop computer for less than $5,000. The new handheld device is part of the SpinQ line and will be designed even for schools and colleges. Shenzhen SpinQ Technology will manufacture it.
Unprecedented competition is unfolding in this area. Сhina is leading the way with a quantum program worth at least $10 billion over the next five years, of which $3 billion will go into quantum computing. The current situation is reminiscent of what had developed in 1957 when the U.S. similarly launched an unprecedented development program for its space program in the wake of panic over a small Soviet satellite called Sputnik. Will Americans be able to repeat their leap for quantum advantage this time?
