China advances in quantum technology, sets global records with new innovations: national political adviser

China has made significant strides in quantum technology in recent years and plans to continue enhancing its innovations to drive the development of high-quality productive forces, a national political adviser said on Wednesday.

Pan Jianwei, a member of the National Committee of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), China maintained its leading position in quantum communication, remained in the global first tier in quantum computing, and achieved international prominence in various fields of quantum precision measurement.

Pan, who is also the deputy chairman of the Central Committee of the Jiusan Society and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighted the development and launch of the world's first micro-nano satellite, Jinan-1. He described it as "a cosmic messenger", noting its small size and low cost, which enable quantum-secured communication over a distance of more than 10,000 kilometers between China and South Africa, setting a global record.

Additionally, the development of the strontium atomic optical lattice clock, which operates with an error of no more than one second over 30 billion years, has redefined perceptions of time and provided "Chinese time" to the world. This breakthrough has safeguarded the country's strategic security and ensured the independence of its economic operations, Pan said.

Pan emphasized that despite a comprehensive embargo by foreign countries on dilution refrigerators, essential for quantum computing, China has independently developed large-capacity dilution refrigerators that meet international standards, supporting the development of the processors of the Zuchongzhi quantum computer.

This achievement highlights China's ability to mobilize nationwide resources, turning bottlenecks into growth opportunities, Pan said.

"It is gratifying to note that, through major national scientific research tasks, our team has become younger and more interdisciplinary, with capabilities in cutting-edge exploration and engineering breakthroughs," Pan said, adding that the team will work together to provide solid support for continuous advancements in China's quantum technology.

"During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), we will continue to strengthen original innovation, promote the integration of industry, academia, and research, and accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements," he said. "Quantum technology will better serve the development of new-quality productive forces and empower high-quality economic and social development," he added.