China is poised to lead the creation of a “quantum-proof” communication protocol, following a draft design presented by Chinese scientists at an international conference on telecoms standards in Sweden, according to the South China Morning Post. The protocol aims to help fend off potential attacks from quantum computers that could break traditional communication encryption methods.
Zhang Lulu, secretary general of China’s WAPI Alliance, said the proposal submitted by Chinese experts aims to guide the migration of global communication networks to post-quantum cryptography. The conference was attended by over 50 experts from 12 countries, including the US, Britain, and Japan. China Iwncomm, a WAPI Alliance member firm, led the proposal for the “quantum-proof” protocol, which has been approved as a preparatory project. Developing post-quantum cryptography technology is seen as an urgent task, with companies like Baidu and Koal Software already taking action.
China is poised to play a significant role in creating a “quantum-proof” communication protocol, following the presentation of a design blueprint by Chinese scientists at an international conference on telecoms standards. The protocol aims to help the world fend off potential attacks from quantum computers that could break traditional communication encryption methods.
While full-scale quantum computers are unlikely to replace conventional computers anytime soon, the fear remains that next-generation machines would be able to crack existing cryptographic systems. This includes risks involving “record now, decrypt later” protocols, where attackers may hack and steal encrypted data today in the hope of decrypting it in the future when quantum computers become mature.
The international focus is on developing PQC technology, which involves creating cryptographic algorithms capable of withstanding the powerful cryptanalytic attack of a quantum computer. China has already taken steps in this direction, with the establishment of a working group to study the laws, policies, and industrial progress relating to quantum-proof cryptography technology.
The draft design presented by Chinese experts aims to guide the migration of global communication networks to post-quantum cryptography. According to Zhang Lulu, part of the Chinese delegation at the conference, the proposal seeks to ensure “post-quantum” security. The proposal was unanimously approved and will be led by China Iwncomm, a WAPI Alliance member firm based in northwestern China.
Over 50 experts from 12 countries, including the United States, Britain, Switzerland, Austria, Japan, South Korea, and Canada, attended the conference, which was held in Stockholm from October 7 to 11. The proposal for the “quantum-proof” protocol is one of eight new projects involving Chinese experts in various roles.
The fast development of quantum computing technology makes PQC migration urgent. Dong Mingfu, deputy general manager of Koal Software, a leading Chinese commercial cryptography company, emphasizes that early action is necessary to avoid being caught off guard when the quantum era arrives. Cryptography upgrades and replacements are very complicated, demanding, and costly processes that cannot be achieved overnight.
Several countries are already taking action. In 2022, the US National Security Agency issued a call for organizations of all sizes to migrate to secure encryption by 2035. A White House report released in July this year outlined the US strategy for transitioning to PQC, a process fraught with challenges and estimated to cost around $7.1 billion between 2025 and 2035.
In conclusion, China’s leadership in creating a “quantum-proof” communication protocol is a significant step towards ensuring global communication security in the face of emerging quantum computing threats. The international collaboration and urgency surrounding PQC migration underscore the importance of this effort.
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