In quantum tech entanglement with China, US may ‘already be behind’ as it moves to block access
- US think tank flags military applications of quantum technology and its potential threat to digital security, while noting how much more China has already spent on research
- Washington’s pre-emptive actions follow sanctions imposed last year that affect China’s access to advanced chipmaking tools and artificial intelligence processors
Washington has taken initial steps to stop China from accessing American quantum technology – an emerging area with military applications – but China already has a leg up on the competition, especially in research spending, according to an American policy think tank.
Legislation finalised by the US Department of Commerce in September says that funding and chips for quantum technology cannot help “countries of concern”, the Centre for Strategic & International Studies said in a paper released on Thursday.
“This policy, though minor, could be an indication of the department’s future desire to prevent quantum technology inputs from reaching China in a way that mirrors semiconductor export controls,” said the document, titled Optimising US Export Controls for Critical and Emerging Technologies.