Third-generation superconducting quantum computer "Origin Wukong". File photo:CCTV

Despite US' intensified restrictions to stymie the development of China's cutting-edge technologies, Chinese researchers remain committed to excelling in quantum computing with a long-term vision and strong determination, a leading Chinese scientist and a pioneer in China's quantum technology told the Global Times.

"I see an increasing convergence of 'Chinese strength' in the quantum computing industry in China, which fills me with confidence in the self-reliance and improvement of China's quantum computing technology," Guo Guangcan, director of the Key Laboratory of Quantum Information of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), who is also an academician at the CAS said, expressing his optimism in the future of China's quantum computing endeavors.

The remarks came as some Western institutions and media outlets reported that the US and China are in a pivotal race to achieve "quantum technology supremacy" and capabilities that will have national security and commercial ramifications. China's potential to eclipse the US in a quantum-technology arms race is an issue of acute concern to US national security, according to the Heritage Foundation, a US-based think tank.

In a recent exclusive interview, Guo shared his insights on US' technological "decoupling" push with China, and displayed an unwavering belief in the self-sufficiency of China's quantum computing technology.

Quantum computing has long been considered as a crucial measure of a country's technological advancement and has the capability to transform national security and drive economic development, the 82-year-old Chinese scientist said.

"Certain countries have imposed stringent barriers and restrictions on quantum computing technology, posing challenges for China's quantum computing industry," Guo noted. In order to maintain its competitive edge, the US is actively working to limit China's progress in areas such as semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing.

In recent years, the Biden administration has rolled out a raft of restrictive measures targeting China's quantum development. In its latest move, US Department of Commerce on May 9 announced stringent export controls to stymie Chinese quantum research, by adding 22 institutions and firms to its Entity List for "their participation in the China's quantum technology advancements," under the excuse of safeguarding its national security.

The move is part of an updated strategy by the US and its Western allies' suppression of major technology industries in China, because they have seen China's potential to eclipse the US in the quantum-technology arms race, Guo said. "The US is taking a leading role among Western countries in efforts to counter China's advancements in quantum technology, because it is afraid that China may surpass it." 

According to Guo, the Western blockade on quantum computing against China has manifested in various forms, including imposing sanctions on China's quantum computing enterprises, blocking high-end quantum computing equipment exports, and limiting cross-border talent exchanges.

Despite these backlashes, China's quantum computing technology is breaking through international barriers and accelerating pace in achieving greater self-reliance and strength, as demonstrated by the progress and inventive spirit of companies like Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co.

Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co, a 7-year-old startup focusing on quantum computers and related technologies, has developed third-generation superconducting quantum computer Origin Wukong. Since it became operational in January, it had completed 250,000 quantum computing tasks for global users as of July 20. The number of times it was accessed remotely from more than 125 countries around the world exceeded 12 million, according to the information the company shared with the Global Times.

The delivery of that computer marked that China has established a basic independent industry chain for superconducting quantum computers, which is believed to be critical for future development. 

"The US blockades will only push our nation to accelerate the quantum technologies," Guo believed, adding that the world watches with anticipation as China continues to push the boundaries of this cutting-edge technology.

New computing paradigm

Quantum Computing and Its Real-World Implications
As traditional computing approaches reach their limits, there is a pressing need to explore a new computing paradigm capable of solving problems beyond the scope of conventional methods. 

"Quantum computing represents this new paradigm," Guo said.

With the advent of AI and quantum computing, computational power will increase exponentially, ushering in a groundbreaking era," Guo explained, emphasizing that quantum computing will enable the resolution of previously insurmountable challenges.

"The distinction of computing power between quantum computers and electronic computers is equivalent to that between electronic computers and abacuses," Guo said, underscoring that quantum computers are designed not to replace electronic computers but to complement them, addressing technical hurdles and efficiency issues that were once viewed as insurmountable. 

For example, generative AI needs the power of quantum computing to make fundamental advances, which means AI relies on the ability to crunch huge rafts of information, which is where quantum computers excel. Also, in the pharmaceutical sector, quantum computers can expedite drug development, ultimately benefiting public health.

Looking ahead, quantum technology demonstrates remarkable application potential across diverse fields. Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize large-scale computations in drug research and development, energy exploration, financial analysis, and weather forecasting. 
ming International Barriers with Homegrown Innovation
"Collaboration between tech companies, academia, and research centers is key to driving the advancement of quantum computing technology. Through practical application, quantum computers will continue to tackle and solve complex problems, creating a virtuous cycle that fosters ongoing scientific and technological progress and industrial growth," Guo stated.

An emerging industry

The development of an independent and controllable industrial chain in quantum computing is crucial for China amid global challenges and fierce competition in science and technology, Guo said.

Quantum computing, as a frontier technology, is poised to be one of China's future industries, which will help nurture new productivity boosters and further drive economic growth. Guo highlighted the importance to foster collaboration between industry, academia, and research to advance quantum computing technology and create a quantum ecosystem for scientific progress and industrial upgrading.

China has reached a significant milestone in quantum computing as its first self-developed superconducting quantum computer came online on January 6, meanwhile, China's first independent superconducting quantum computer manufacturing chain was established on May 12 in Hefei, East China's Anhui Province. Guo said these breakthroughs represent a major leap toward establishing technological autonomy and positioning the country as a key player in the global quantum computing industry.

"I hope that the development of quantum technology will continue to advance through the efforts of self-reliant innovative research and development as well as Chinese tech industry. By transforming the achievements of relevant research into key technologies that drive social progress and economic development, quantum technology will become source of new quality productive forces," Guo said.

China has set developing industries of the future as one of its key missions as it ramps up efforts to explore frontier technologies as a major driving force for China's economic growth. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology unveiled an action plan for the development of industries of the future which targets sectors including humanoid robots and quantum information, and focuses on breakthroughs in key technologies, cultivating products and expanding application scenarios.