China has created the first quantum key distribution link with South Africa, enhancing global ultra-secure communications. This achievement was announced by Yin Juan during the NPC meeting, showcasing a 12,800km communication span made possible by quantum satellites. It marks a significant step in preventing eavesdropping and hacking in crucial communications.
China has successfully established the first ultra-secure quantum communication link with South Africa, extending the benefits of quantum key distribution into the southern hemisphere. This groundbreaking development signifies a significant advance in global efforts to enhance ultra-secure communications, which are critical for safeguarding financial, national defense, and other sensitive information from hacking.
Yin Juan, a senior scientist and deputy at the National People’s Congress, announced this achievement during the NPC’s plenary meeting in Beijing. The quantum key distribution link enables secure communications over a distance of 12,800 kilometers (7,954 miles) between Beijing and South Africa, facilitated by China’s advanced quantum communication satellite technology.
Yin highlighted that this experiment marks the first instance of secure quantum key distribution in the southern hemisphere. He has played a pivotal role in the development of quantum communications, being the chief payload designer for Mozi (Micius), the world’s first quantum communication satellite launched in 2016. Previously, in 2017, this satellite enabled secure communication by facilitating a “quantum call” and transmitting images between China and Austria over a distance of 7,600 kilometers.
In conclusion, China’s successful establishment of a quantum key distribution link with South Africa represents a monumental step in the development of ultra-secure global communications. This advancement not only enhances security against hacking in vital sectors but also establishes a foundation for intercontinental quantum communication services worldwide. As quantum technologies continue to evolve, international collaboration may become increasingly pivotal in harnessing these innovations for broader applications.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
