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China, the country with the largest population and biggest markets, will be adding another distinction to its name as the country plans to build the world's longest quantum communication network by 2016.
According to the scientists involved with the project, the quantum communication network will be connecting the 2,000-kilometer distance that separates Beijing and Shanghai.
University of Science and Technology of China professor Pan Jianwei said that the development of quantum information science and technology in China is rapidly progressing, and that China is also leading in certain sectors in quantum information.
Quantum communication technology is reputed to be nearly un-hackable, which is why many secure networks utilize the technology. In addition, no quantum communication network has ever been deployed on a wide and broad location before.
If an attempt is made to hack the quantum network's encryption, the threat is automatically recognized by the system. But the quantum network's extreme sensitivity to such threats can pose difficulty in stabilizing the connection when used over longer-than-usual distances.
China is planning to establish the quantum network in Asia to Europe by 2020, and a much wider and broader worldwide quantum connection by 2030, said Pan, who leads the program.
The country is also planning to launch a quantum communication satellite, the first in the whole world, in 2016.
To date, quantum communication networks utilize fiber-optic cables for the connections. The networks are preferred for highly classified and secretive diplomatic, military and financial communications.
