A Report released on September 12, 2018 by the Centre for a New American Security stated that China is positioning itself as a powerhouse in quantum science and in the past several years, Chinese researchers had achieved consistent advances in basic research and development of quantum technologies, including quantum cryptography, communications, and computing, as well as reports of progress in quantum radar, sensing, imaging, metrology, and navigation. It said China's leadership had dedicated extensive funding to this domain while actively cultivating top talent. China’s rise in quantum science was displayed to the world with the August 2016 launch of the world’s first quantum satellite, Micius (or Mozi, 墨子) and, since then, the launch of new national “megaprojects” in quantum communications. It said China’s leaders at the highest levels recognize the strategic potential of quantum science and technology to enhance economic and military dimensions of national power. These quantum ambitions are intertwined with China’s national strategic objective to become a science and technology superpower. It said China will no longer rely on the “absorption” of foreign technologies in its pursuit of indigenous innovation, but try to achieve truly disruptive, even “radical” innovation in strategic emerging technologies, including biotechnology and artificial intelligence. As China advances a national strategy for military-civil fusion (or “civil-military integration,” 军民融合), these critical technologies for a range of defense applications. While international collaborations can be integral to advancing global scientific progress, the sensitivity and strategic objectives associated with these technologies in China could result in such future “made in China” innovation being restricted to China. It concluded that China clearly aspires to lead the “second quantum revolution”. China’s widespread employment of provably secure quantum cryptography and quantum communications is intended to create new networks that will be, at least in theory, “unhackable.” Meanwhile, Chinese researchers claim to have achieved notable advances in quantum radar, sensing, imaging, metrology, and navigation, which enable greater precision and sensitivity. In addition, early research in quantum materials, such as topological insulators, may enable new paradigms of information processing, have applications in clean energy, and even be used in one pathway to quantum computing.
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