China has established a quantum communication link with South Africa, enhancing secure communication. This quantum key distribution system mitigates hacking risks and signifies progress towards a secure intercontinental network. Prof. Yin Juan announced the achievement at the NPC plenary meeting, detailing a link that spans 12,800 kilometers, enabled by quantum communication satellites.
China has successfully established its first ultra-secure quantum communication link with South Africa, marking a significant advancement in global secure communications. This quantum key distribution system is designed to resist hacking attempts and represents a crucial step toward an intercontinental communication network capable of safeguarding sensitive information, including financial and national defense communications.
Yin Juan, a professor of experimental physics at the University of Science and Technology of China and a deputy in the National People’s Congress, announced this development during the NPC’s annual plenary session in Beijing. The connection spans 12,800 kilometers (approximately 7,954 miles) between Beijing and South Africa and is facilitated by China’s quantum communication satellites.
This achievement is notable as it represents the first successful implementation of secure quantum key distribution in the southern hemisphere. Yin Juan, who was instrumental in the design of Mozi (also known as Micius), the world’s first quantum communication satellite launched in 2016, highlighted this accomplishment. In 2017, a secure quantum call was successfully made using this technology, transmitting images between China and Austria over a distance of 7,600 kilometers.
The establishment of a hacker-proof quantum communication link between China and South Africa signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of secure communications. This development not only enhances international collaboration but also paves the way for future advancements in the protection of sensitive information globally. As quantum technology continues to evolve, it is expected to play an integral role in maintaining the integrity of communications on a broader scale.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
