Despite intensified US restrictions, China’s quantum computing technology is advancing rapidly, driven by a long-term vision and strong determination, according to Guo Guangcan, director of the Key Laboratory of Quantum Information of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, according to a recent article in Global Times.
The 82-year-old scientist expressed optimism about China’s self-reliance in quantum computing, citing the progress made by companies like Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co. The company has developed a third-generation superconducting quantum computer, “Origin Wukong“, which has completed 250,000 quantum computing tasks for global users since its operation began in January.
Guo believes that US blockades will only accelerate China’s quantum technology development as the country pushes to establish a basic independent industry chain for superconducting quantum computers. Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize large-scale computations in drug research and development, energy exploration, financial analysis, and weather forecasting, with potential applications across diverse industries.
Quantum Computing: A New Frontier in Technological Advancement
The rapid progress of China’s quantum computing technology has sparked intense interest globally, with some Western institutions and media outlets reporting a pivotal race to achieve “quantum technology supremacy” between the US and China. Despite intensified restrictions imposed by the US to stymie China’s development of cutting-edge technologies, Chinese researchers remain committed to excelling in quantum computing with a long-term vision.
Breaking Through International Barriers
According to Dr. Guo, a renowned expert in quantum physics, the Western blockade on quantum computing against China has manifested in various forms, including imposing sanctions on China’s quantum computing enterprises, blocking high-end quantum computing equipment exports, and limiting cross-border talent exchanges. However, these backlashes have only pushed China to accelerate its quantum technologies.
Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co., a 7-year-old startup focusing on quantum computers and related technologies, has developed the third-generation superconducting quantum computer Origin Wukong. As of July 20, it had completed 250,000 quantum computing tasks for global users since becoming operational in January. The number of times it was accessed remotely from more than 125 countries worldwide exceeded 12 million.
New Computing Paradigm
Quantum computing represents a new paradigm capable of solving problems beyond the scope of conventional methods. With the advent of AI and quantum computing, computational power will increase exponentially, ushering in a groundbreaking era. Quantum computers are designed not to replace electronic computers but to complement them, addressing technical hurdles and efficiency issues that were once considered impossible.
For example, generative AI needs the power of quantum computing to make fundamental advances, which means AI relies on the ability to crunch huge rafts of information, where quantum computers excel. Also, quantum computers can expedite drug development in the pharmaceutical sector, ultimately benefiting public health.
Emerging Industry
The development of an independent and controllable industrial chain in quantum computing is crucial for China amid global challenges and fierce competition in science and technology. Quantum computing, as a frontier technology, is poised to be one of China’s future industries, which will help nurture new productivity boosters and further drive economic growth.
China has reached a significant milestone in quantum computing as its first self-developed superconducting quantum computer came online on January 6, meanwhile, China’s first independent superconducting quantum computer manufacturing chain was established on May 12 in Hefei, East China’s Anhui Province. These breakthroughs represent a major leap toward establishing technological autonomy and positioning the country as a key player in the global quantum computing industry.
Collaboration and Innovation
“Collaboration between tech companies, academia, and research centers is key to driving the advancement of quantum computing technology,” Dr. Guo stated. Through practical application, quantum computers will continue to tackle and solve complex problems, creating a virtuous cycle that fosters ongoing scientific and technological progress and industrial growth.
China has set developing industries of the future as one of its key missions as it ramps up efforts to explore frontier technologies as a major driving force for China’s economic growth. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology unveiled an action plan for the development of industries of the future, which targets sectors including humanoid robots and quantum information, and focuses on breakthroughs in key technologies, cultivating products, and expanding application scenarios.
As Dr. Guo emphasized, “I hope that the development of quantum technology will continue to advance through the efforts of self-reliant innovative research and development as well as Chinese tech industry. By transforming the achievements of relevant research into key technologies that drive social progress and economic development, quantum technology will become a source of new quality productive forces.”
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