China to launch ‘unhackable’ computer network

China has successfully tested the Jinan Project – the world’s first unhackable computer network that is based on quantum principles.

Set to be used by the end of August, this project will prove to be a global milestone in the advancement of quantum technology and will mark China as one of the pioneers in the field.

The project made use of the Jinan city as a quantum computer hub that boosts up the Beijing-Shanghai quantum network because of its central geographical location in between the two larger cities, stated Futurism.

Quantum key distribution (QKD) networks are safer than the mostly used electronic communication forms. In case of any interference with the system, the network alerts both users, as interference changes the data being transmitted. The tampering is instantaneously recognized and both the parties can instantly determine when something is wrong.

The trials included conveying highly secured information between 200 various terminals in Jinan over a network that covers several hundred square kilometers.

The Assistant Director of the Jinan Institute of Quantum Technology, Zhou Fei told the Financial Times, “We plan to use the network for national defense, finance and other fields, and hope to spread it out as a pilot that if successful, can be used across China and the whole world.” Fei views the system to have a universal effect.

Once it is properly put into action, apart from improving the security payments and other financial services, the network will make it nearly impossible for other governments to eavesdrop on Chinese communications.

The execution of this quantum computer network will mark China as the first country ever to put quantum technology in practice for a real life, commercial end. Not only that, the project will also symbolize China as a quantum pioneer globally.