China has solidified its global leadership in quantum technology through groundbreaking achievements that redefine technological boundaries, according to Pan Jianwei, a prominent national political adviser and quantum physicist. Speaking ahead of the 14th CPPCC National Committee session, Pan revealed how China has transformed technological constraints into strategic advantages during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25).
The nation has maintained unparalleled dominance in quantum communication while securing first-tier global positioning in quantum computing capabilities. Most remarkably, China has achieved international prominence across multiple domains of quantum precision measurement through revolutionary innovations.
Among the most significant breakthroughs is the Jinan-1 micro-nano satellite, described by Pan as a ‘cosmic messenger.’ This compact, cost-effective satellite has enabled quantum-secured communication spanning over 10,000 kilometers between China and South Africa—setting an unprecedented global record for secure quantum transmission distance.
Concurrently, Chinese scientists have developed the strontium atomic optical lattice clock with unimaginable precision, operating with less than one second of error across 30 billion years. This redefinition of temporal measurement provides ‘Chinese time’ to the world while ensuring strategic security and economic operational independence.
Perhaps most impressively, China overcame comprehensive international embargoes on dilution refrigerators—critical components for quantum computing—by independently developing large-capacity systems meeting rigorous global standards. These domestically produced refrigerators now support the advanced processors powering the Zuchongzhi quantum computer, demonstrating China’s remarkable capacity to mobilize national resources and convert technological bottlenecks into growth opportunities.
Pan emphasized the emergence of a younger, more interdisciplinary research team capable of both frontier exploration and engineering breakthroughs. Looking toward the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), China plans to intensify original innovation, accelerate industry-academia-research integration, and transform scientific achievements into practical applications. Quantum technology is poised to become a fundamental driver of new-quality productive forces, ultimately empowering high-quality economic and social development nationwide.