When Quantum Technology Matures, the Strategic Balance May Tilt in China’s Favor
Interesting piece from Moor Insights & Strategy. Puts together many of the aspects of government, industry, and military for quantum technology funding and R&D. Worth the read from the global-strategic perspective; from the source document at the link, below. Because Quantum is Coming. Qubit.
Quantum USA Vs. Quantum China: The World’s Most Important Technology Race
Excerpts and salient points ~
+ Over the past two years, China has aggressively stepped up its pace of quantum research. In 2016, President Xi Jinping established a national strategy for China to become technologically self-reliant. One of China’s main goals is to surpass the United States and to become the global high-tech leader.
Many analysts, researchers, politicians, and military leaders believe as I do – the United States has allowed China to take the lead in many areas of quantum research. Once quantum technology matures, it will have a profound effect on almost every facet of our lives. A Chinese lead in quantum science could also tilt the future strategic military balance in their favor.
+ President Xi funded a multi-billion-dollar quantum computing mega-project with the expectation of achieving significant quantum breakthroughs by 2030. He also committed billions to establish a Chinese National Laboratory for Quantum Information Sciences. This center may eventually become a global hub for quantum research and a magnet for future quantum research talent.
+ In August last year, the Department of the Army issued a request for information on quantum technologies for Threat Military Applications. The Department of the Army explained its appeal this way:
+ “A global race has ensued to exploit and operationalize quantum technologies for the use of military effects. The race to conquer the quantum domain is among the most fiercely competitive in today’s world of technology.”
+ Without directly naming a country, it is evident that the government was talking about China. So, why are the stakes so high? The answer is simple–not only will quantum computing offer significant scientific advances, but it will also alter warfighting. If China gains a substantial military quantum advantage over the United States, I believe it could neutralize many of our defensive and offensive technologies.
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