Quantum technology is grounded in the principles of quantum mechanics, primarily leveraging the quantum properties of 'superposition' and 'entanglement'. According to quantum theory, a quantum system can exist in a 'superposition' of multiple states—meaning that, at the microscopic scale, matter can simultaneously occupy multiple states and positions. When multiple quantum systems interact, they may become 'entangled': two particles in an entangled state exhibit instantaneous correlation—any change in the state of one particle triggers an immediate change in the other, regardless of distance. Current quantum technology applications are fundamentally built upon these quantum mechanical principles.
Today, quantum technology is primarily applied in three major domains: quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum metrology. In theory, quantum technologies can overcome fundamental bottlenecks of classical technologies—delivering breakthroughs in computational speed, information security, measurement precision, and sensitivity. Regarding quantum communication, as quantum key distribution (QKD) networking matures and terminal devices become increasingly compact and mobile, QKD will expand into broader application areas—including telecommunications networks, enterprise networks, personal and home networks, and cloud storage. In the longer term, with breakthroughs in quantum satellites, quantum repeaters, quantum computing, and quantum sensing, connecting distributed quantum computers and quantum sensors via quantum communication networks will enable entirely new applications such as quantum cloud computing and quantum sensor networks.
(I) International Landscape: Countries Accelerate Strategic Deployment in Quantum Technology
Quantum technology is one of the pivotal frontiers in the ongoing scientific revolution and industrial transformation, prompting nations worldwide to intensify strategic investments and planning. In recent years, countries including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia have placed high priority on quantum technology development. They have advanced quantum R&D and industry growth through policy issuance, establishment of dedicated research institutions, and targeted funding support.
(II) Domestic Development: Quantum Technology Elevated to National Strategic Priority
The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held a collective study session, marking quantum technology’s formal elevation to a national strategic priority. On October 16, General Secretary Xi Jinping presided over the Political Bureau’s collective study and delivered guiding remarks on China’s quantum technology development. He emphasized that quantum technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, emerging as a cutting-edge domain in the new wave of scientific revolution and industrial transformation. Accelerating quantum technology development is critically important for promoting high-quality economic growth and safeguarding national security. This marked the first time quantum technology entered the collective focus of China’s highest decision-making body at the public level—formally establishing it as a national strategy.
China’s strategic deployment in quantum technology has been notably forward-looking, accompanied by a dense rollout of supportive policies. Prior to this, China had already introduced a series of policies and established specialized agencies to foster quantum technology advancement. Starting with the Mid- to Long-Term Plan for National Science and Technology Development (2006–2020) issued in 2006, quantum communication and quantum computing platforms—including their underlying physical carriers, correlation laws, and control principles—were identified as key research priorities. The Medium- and Long-Term Plan for Construction of Major National Science and Technology Infrastructure (2013) reiterated the need to provide essential experimental validation capabilities for research on space networks, optical networks, and quantum networks. The Made in China 2025 initiative (2015) explicitly proposed actively promoting quantum computing. Most recently, the Political Bureau’s collective study on quantum technology cemented its status as a national strategy. Furthermore, the 14th Five-Year Plan for High-Tech Development outlines advancing next-generation high technologies characterized by intelligent and quantum technologies.
Last updated: 2026-03-08