China has established a quantum key distribution link with South Africa, enhancing secure communications in the southern hemisphere. This achievement allows for nearly hack-proof intercontinental communication and signifies a major step in the global competition for ultra-secure technology. Yin Juan, a key scientist involved in the project, announced this development at the NPC meeting in Beijing, highlighting previous successful quantum communications initiatives.
China has successfully established a quantum key distribution link with South Africa, marking a significant advancement in secure communication technology. This initiative introduces ultra-secure communication capabilities to the southern hemisphere, enhancing intercontinental communication services and making hacking attempts on sensitive sectors, such as finance and national security, exceedingly difficult.
Yin Juan, a senior scientist and professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, shared this milestone achievement at the National People’s Congress annual plenary meeting in Beijing. This quantum demonstration spans an impressive distance of 12,800 kilometers (approximately 7,954 miles), facilitated by China’s advanced quantum communication satellites.
Yin emphasized that this experiment represents the inaugural implementation of secure quantum key distribution in the southern hemisphere. He also noted his role as the chief payload designer for Mozi, the first quantum communication satellite launched in 2016, which set the groundwork for long-distance quantum communication. Previous successful experiments have included a secure “quantum call” between China and Austria over 7,600 kilometers in 2017.
In summary, China’s pioneering quantum key distribution link with South Africa showcases significant progress in the realm of secure communications. This initiative not only underscores China’s technological advancements but also contributes to the global quest for ultra-secure communication systems that are resistant to hacking. Furthermore, it marks a critical step in extending such security measures internationally, particularly in the southern hemisphere, while building on the successes of previous quantum communication projects.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
