China's quantum leap: Rapid progress, but state control raises concerns.
Matilda
China's Quantum Leap: Ambition Meets Risk
China is rapidly closing the gap with the United States in the race for quantum computing supremacy. However, its state-driven innovation model, while yielding impressive results, presents significant risks. A recent visit to Origin, a Chinese quantum computing startup, highlighted these complexities. The company, showcasing cutting-edge technology, abruptly canceled interviews and alerted authorities upon the arrival of a foreign journalist, emphasizing the sensitive nature of their work and the government's tight control over this critical sector. China's ambition in quantum technology is undeniable. Government funding is pouring into research and development, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of startups and academic institutions. This concentrated effort has yielded tangible results, with Chinese researchers making significant contributions to the field. However, this state-heavy approach comes with inherent drawbacks: Limited Innovation: Excessive government control can stifle in…
