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Trump Orders Development of Quantum Computer to Counter China's Tech Advances

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • The U.S. is accelerating efforts to build a high-performance quantum computer to maintain its lead over China in cybersecurity technology.
  • President Trump signed two executive orders aimed at protecting government systems from quantum computing threats and transitioning critical systems to post-quantum cryptography by 2030 or 2031.
  • These measures underscore the U.S. focus on quantum technology, which has the potential to revolutionize fields like AI and materials science while also posing new cybersecurity risks.

The United States is making a significant push into quantum computing, with President Trump ordering the development of high-performance machines. This move is framed as a critical step to bolster the nation's lead over China in the race for advanced cybersecurity technology. The initiative aims to harness the power of quantum computing for scientific research while simultaneously developing defenses against potential quantum-driven cyberattacks.

Two executive orders were signed to advance this agenda. One focuses on safeguarding government systems from emerging quantum threats, setting a deadline of 2030 or 2031 for critical computing systems to transition to "post-quantum cryptography." Quantum computers, which leverage quantum physics to solve complex problems at speeds far exceeding current supercomputers, pose a significant risk due to their potential to break existing encryption methods. This has raised concerns about an increased vulnerability to large-scale cyberattacks.

The administration's emphasis on maintaining an advantage in quantum technology competition with China is evident. Quantum technology is poised to drive breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, materials science, and chemistry. However, its development also introduces new cybersecurity challenges. The U.S. strategy involves advancing the technology while fortifying its defensive capabilities. This includes a $2 billion equity investment in nine quantum computing companies announced by the Commerce Department last month.

Further measures will enhance international cooperation on intellectual property protection and supply chain security to counter efforts by "rival and adversarial nations" to undermine U.S. economic and national security. Federal agencies are also tasked with developing plans for deploying quantum-enabled sensors and quantum networks within the next five years. The initiative highlights the growing global recognition of quantum computing as a key technology for national and economic competitiveness.

We believe this goal can be achieved by 2028.

— Michael KratsiosMichael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, stated the goal of building a quantum computer could be achieved by 2028.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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