China has launched a quantum key distribution link with South Africa, enhancing ultra-secure communication capabilities and making hacking nearly impossible. This 12,800km connection signifies a key milestone in global communications technology and is part of China’s broader strategy to lead in secure communication solutions.
China has successfully established a quantum key distribution link with South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the realm of ultra-secure communication. This development enables highly secure intercontinental communications, essentially thwarting potential hacking attempts related to financial transactions and national security.
During the recent National People’s Congress (NPC) plenary meeting in Beijing, Yin Juan, a noted experimental physicist from the University of Science and Technology of China, announced this breakthrough, emphasizing its importance in the global race for secure communications.
This landmark quantum demonstration spans 12,800 kilometers (7,954 miles) from Beijing to South Africa, showcasing China’s advanced capabilities in utilizing quantum communication satellites for secure data transmission.
The achievement represents the first instance of implementing such secure quantum key distribution in the southern hemisphere. Yin, who was integral in designing the first quantum communication satellite, Mozi (Micius), noted that the satellite began long-distance quantum transmissions following its launch in 2016.
In a prior endeavor in 2017, the Mozi satellite facilitated a secure “quantum call” and image transmission between China and Austria over a distance of 7,600 kilometers, illustrating the evolving potential of quantum communication technologies.
China’s establishment of a quantum key distribution link with South Africa underscores its advancements in ultra-secure communication technology. This landmark achievement not only enhances the security of financial and national communications but also sets a precedent for future intercontinental communication services. The ongoing development of quantum communication satellites, initiated with Mozi, continues to pave the way for secure data transmissions.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
