China has launched a quantum key distribution link with South Africa, enhancing ultra-secure communications and potentially eliminating hacking risks. This initiative was announced by Prof. Yin Juan, crucial for creating a communication network spanning 12,800 kilometers. It signifies a leap towards intercontinental secure communication systems.
China has successfully established a quantum key distribution communication link with South Africa, marking a significant advancement in ultra-secure communication technology. This achievement facilitates a communication network that could minimize the risk of hacking in critical areas such as financial transactions and national security. The development was announced by Yin Juan, a senior researcher and professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, during a recent plenary meeting of the National People’s Congress in Beijing.
The demonstration of secure quantum communication spans an impressive distance of 12,800 kilometers (approximately 7,954 miles) from Beijing to South Africa, thanks to China’s quantum communication satellites. Prof. Yin emphasized that this is the inaugural secure quantum key distribution experiment conducted in the southern hemisphere. He also previously contributed to the design of Mozi, the world’s first quantum communication satellite launched in 2016, which has facilitated long-distance quantum communications.
In a groundbreaking effort in 2017, scientists employed the Mozi satellite to successfully conduct a secure quantum call, as well as transmit images, between China and Austria over a distance of 7,600 kilometers, further showcasing the potential of quantum communication.
In summary, China’s successful establishment of a quantum key distribution link with South Africa represents a significant leap in the realm of secure communications, enhancing the possibilities for intercontinental connections devoid of eavesdropping risks. With ongoing advancements in quantum technology, the potential for secure international communication continues to expand, promising a transformative impact on various fields, particularly in protecting sensitive information.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
