China, Russia claim to have tested hack proof quantum communication link

Scientists from Russia and China have allegedly achieved quantum communication encryption using secure keys transmitted by China's satellite Mozi. Quantum communication encryption uses the principles of quantum mechanics to establish secure communication channels. It aims to create unbreakable encryption, making it highly attractive for applications where the highest level of security is essential, such as in transmitting sensitive information in fields like finance, government, and defense. Unprecedented level of data protection This breakthrough demonstrates the technical feasibility of establishing a BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) quantum communication network. The researchers managed to cover a distance of 3,800 kilometers between a ground station near Moscow and another close to Urumqi in China's Xinjiang region, transmitting two encoded images secured by quantum keys, reported the . The first full cycle quantum communication test between the two countries took place in March 2022, according to Alexey Fedorov from Russia’s National University of Science and Technology and the Russian Quantum Centre. A secret key was passed on during this experiment, transferring two coded messages decrypted using keys based on a quote from Chinese philosopher Mozi and an equation from Soviet physicist Lev Landau. The collaboration utilized China’s quantum satellite, Mozi, which has paved the way for the development of both national and international quantum communication networks. Quantum communication provides a secure way to transfer information, making it resistant to eavesdropping by hackers. The encrypted data is transferred as ones and zeros along with a quantum key, ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot access the information. However, limitations in ground based quantum key distribution arise due to the loss of photons over long distances, capping optical fiber cable transfers at around 1,000 kilometers. China’s Mozi, the world's first quantum communication satellite launched in 2016, overcomes this. It allows for long distance quantum transmission. The satellite enables the establishment of a national quantum network in China, spanning thousands of kilometers. Russia wants to lead in quantum technology In 2020, Russian researchers collaborated with the Mozi team, conducting experiments between a ground station in Moscow and China's Nanshan ground station near Urumqi to explore the potential of long distance quantum communication. The report further says that Russia wants to be a leader in this technology, and they are thinking about working with BRICS nations to create a big quantum communication network. However, they need to agree on how to exchange data and keep things safe. The plan is to launch small quantum satellites and build stations on the ground. Russia is also getting into computing, which is like super advanced math, and they believe it's crucial for staying ahead in technology.