China has achieved a significant breakthrough by establishing a hacker-proof quantum communication link with South Africa, using quantum key distribution technology. This milestone aims to secure communications against hacking threats, significantly impacting finance and national defense sectors. The demonstration covers a distance of 12,800 kilometers and marks the first experiment of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
China has successfully established its first hacker-proof communication link with South Africa using quantum key distribution technology. This initiative represents a significant step towards achieving ultra-secure intercontinental communication services, virtually eliminating the threat of hacking in sensitive areas such as finance and national defense. The announcement was made by Yin Juan, a deputy in the National People’s Congress and an experimental physics professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, during the NPC’s annual plenary meeting in Beijing.
The breakthrough demonstration spans an impressive distance of 12,800 kilometers (7,954 miles) between Beijing and South Africa, facilitated by China’s quantum communication satellites. Yin emphasized that this marked the inaugural secure quantum key distribution experiment in the southern hemisphere. He played a pivotal role as the chief payload designer for China’s first quantum communication satellite, known as Mozi or Micius, which commenced long-distance quantum transmissions with its launch in 2016.
Notably, in 2017, the Mozi satellite had already showcased its capabilities by enabling a secure quantum call and transmitting images between China and Austria across a distance of 7,600 kilometers. These advancements demonstrate China’s commitment to lead in the global development of ultra-secure communication technologies.
The establishment of a hacker-proof quantum communication link between China and South Africa signifies a major milestone in the quest for ultra-secure communications. This development not only enhances global communication security but also showcases China’s pioneering technology in the field of quantum communications, furthering the potential for secure intercontinental interactions in the future.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
