[Text/Observer Network Liu Chenghui] Quantum computing is one of the focal points of great power technological competition. As China continues to make breakthroughs in this field, Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote on April 28 that the United States must not fall behind China in the race for quantum computer development. He suggested that the U.S. government expand channels for quantum talent cultivation, expedite immigration approval processes for such talents, and establish a domestic supply chain for key components of quantum computing through government procurement.

According to CNBC reports, Smith emphasized in his article that U.S. President Trump and his administration need to prioritize funding for quantum research; otherwise, China may surpass the United States, jeopardizing America's economic competitiveness and security.

"While most people believe the U.S. is still leading, we cannot rule out the possibility of strategic surprises or the likelihood that China has caught up with the U.S."

In short, the U.S. must not lag behind, let alone lose the entire competition," Smith wrote.

He urged the Trump administration to increase funding for quantum research, update the National Quantum Initiative Act, and expand DARPA's quantum computer testing projects.

He also recommended that the White House expand mathematical talent channels needed for quantum research, expedite immigration approvals for PhDs with quantum skills, and establish a domestic supply chain for key components of quantum computing through government procurement.

CNBC believes that Microsoft's statement reflects how quantum computing research is becoming a new hotspot pursued by tech giants and investors, an area seen as potentially replicating the technology boom triggered by artificial intelligence.

At the sixth Shanghai International Import Expo, visitors viewed the "Zu Chongzhi" model programmable quantum computer system at the China Pavilion. IC Photo

According to Herrera, quantum computers could potentially crack encryption systems for bank transactions and even decrypt classified data of nuclear weapon systems published in cipher form.

Last September, the U.S. government announced controls on quantum computing, semiconductor manufacturing, and other advanced technologies, strengthening export restrictions. The media reported that the move aimed to work with allies to prevent technological advancements in countries like China.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning then responded, stating that China opposes the politicization and weaponization of economic and technological issues by the U.S. We believe that artificially setting obstacles for normal technical cooperation and economic exchanges violates market economy principles, disrupts global production and supply chains, and does not serve anyone's interests.

In terms of technology development, Microsoft released its latest quantum chip "Majorana" in February, claiming that the chip was developed based on a completely new material form. Last year, Google also introduced a new quantum device called "Willow," describing it as a "milestone" device because it can correct errors and solve a mathematical problem that would take traditional computers longer than the age of the universe within five minutes.

The fundamental difference between quantum computers and traditional computers lies in their operational units: traditional computers use binary bits (0 and 1) for computation, while quantum computers are based on the principles of quantum mechanics. They use quantum bits to represent information and employ quantum entanglement and other technologies to implement complex quantum algorithms.

Since quantum bits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, quantum computers can store and process more information than traditional computers, offering unique potential in solving complex problems with infinite possibilities (such as simulating chemical reactions and optimizing logistics routes).

However, quantum computing technology remains a long way from practical application. Many industry experts believe that widespread commercial applications of quantum computing may require several decades of continuous development.

Microsoft's "Majorana" chip currently has eight quantum bits, but the company aims to develop a commercial chip with at least one million quantum bits. However, before achieving this, Microsoft first needs to create devices equipped with hundreds of quantum bits to evaluate their reliability and usability.

China is also making continuous breakthroughs in this field. The Hong Kong-based English-language media South China Morning Post noticed that in February, Professor Wang Jianwei and Professor Gong Qihuang’s team from the Institute of Modern Optics at Peking University, in collaboration with Professor Su Xiaolong’s team from Shanxi University, published a breakthrough research result in Nature – China's scientific team successfully achieved the world's first "continuous variable" quantum entangled cluster state based on integrated photonic quantum chips. Relevant experts stated that this achievement fills the gap in key technologies for continuous variable encoded photonic quantum chips and lays an important foundation for large-scale expansion of photonic quantum chips and their applications in quantum computing and quantum networks.

The South China Morning Post pointed out that the Chinese research utilized light to generate and control an interconnected quantum state network, demonstrating the potential for building quantum networks on tiny chips – a crucial step towards a quantum technology-based internet where information can be shared securely and efficiently.

"This is a new breakthrough in the field of integrated photonic quantum chip technology achieved by our country's scientists," said Gong Qihuang. This original achievement provides a completely new technical path for the preparation and manipulation of large-scale quantum entangled states, holding significant importance for promoting the practical development of quantum computing, quantum networks, and quantum simulations.

Previously, the Observer Network's "Good Review" column noted that quantum computing has become a strategic high ground in global technological competition. Despite key equipment embargoes and layers of technological blockades, Chinese researchers have still caught up with international advanced levels at an astonishing speed and achieved autonomous breakthroughs in some important fields.

However, it cannot be denied that gaps still exist, and we must maintain clear awareness and a sense of urgency. Quantum computing will not only reshape the foundational architecture of global information technology but also have profound impacts on the world economy, national security strategies, and the future of human society. The world is preparing for the arrival of a hyper-powerful quantum era. While it is difficult to break down the high walls of technological barriers, all we can do is to root ourselves firmly.

This article is an exclusive contribution from the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7498688562197234203/

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