MIIT Launches Committee to Standardize Quantum Information Tech

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has launched a technical committee to standardize quantum information technologies, signaling a comprehensive national strategy for the emerging industry. Ke Jixin, Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology, spoke at the founding conference in Beijing as the committee began its work formulating standards for areas spanning fundamental technologies to quantum computing and communication.

The committee’s secretariat will be housed at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology. This move underscores China’s commitment to securing a competitive edge in what the government views as a critical frontier in global technological innovation.

China’s MIIT Inaugurates Quantum Information Standardization Committee

China’s ambition to lead in quantum technologies received a formal boost with the establishment of a national standardization committee by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The committee’s founding conference in Beijing signals a move beyond research and development toward practical implementation and industrial scaling of quantum applications.

This initiative directly addresses a need for unified technical standards across a rapidly evolving field, encompassing areas like quantum computing and communication, as well as the foundational technologies that underpin them. According to official statements released by the MIIT, “The establishment of the committee is a key move in implementing the central government’s strategic decisions on accelerating the cultivation of future industries.” The scope of the committee extends to “fundamental and generic technologies” alongside quantum computing, communication, and precision measurement, demonstrating a long-term strategy for comprehensive quantum development.

This focus on foundational elements suggests China intends to build a robust and interoperable quantum ecosystem, rather than solely pursuing specific applications. The committee’s work will encompass the formulation and revision of industry standards, ensuring compatibility and accelerating innovation. The secretariat of the committee is housed at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, and this placement will facilitate collaboration and efficient operation.