China Establishes Hacker-Proof Quantum Communication Link with South Africa

China has established a quantum key distribution link with South Africa, marking the first ultra-secure communication service in the southern hemisphere. This breakthrough, announced by scientist Yin Juan, could render hacking nearly impossible for sensitive communications. The technology utilizes China’s quantum satellites for long-distance secure transmissions.

China has achieved a significant milestone by establishing a quantum key distribution link with South Africa, representing the first extension of ultra-secure communication into the southern hemisphere. This groundbreaking development is expected to enhance intercontinental communication services, making hacking of sensitive communications such as financial transactions and national defense nearly impossible.

Yin Juan, a deputy of the National People’s Congress and professor of experimental physics at the University of Science and Technology of China, announced this achievement during the NPC’s annual plenary meeting in Beijing. This quantum demonstration spans an impressive 12,800 kilometers (7,954 miles) and utilizes Chinese quantum communication satellites to facilitate this secure link.

Yin stated, “It is also the first time this kind of secure quantum key distribution experiment has been implemented in the southern hemisphere.” He has extensive experience in this field, having served as chief payload designer for Mozi (Micius), the world’s first quantum communication satellite launched in 2016. This innovative satellite enabled long-distance quantum transmissions, including a secure quantum call in 2017 that successfully transmitted images between China and Austria over 7,600 kilometers.

The establishment of a quantum communication link between China and South Africa marks a pivotal advancement in the realm of ultra-secure communications. With the potential to prevent eavesdropping on crucial data exchanges, this technological leap positions China at the forefront of the global initiative to enhance cybersecurity and safeguard sensitive information.

Original Source: www.scmp.com