cover of episode Quantum Computing in US-China Competition

Quantum Computing in US-China Competition

2024/7/9
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China Global
People
B
Bonnie Glaser
S
Sam Howell
Topics
Bonnie Glaser主要介绍了量子计算在美国和中国科技竞争中的重要地位，并指出美国虽然目前领先，但中国正在快速追赶。她还强调了量子计算的广泛应用前景，以及它对国家经济和军事实力的影响。 Sam Howell则深入探讨了量子计算的原理、美中两国在量子计算领域的优势和劣势，以及两国在该领域的竞争态势。她分析了中国在研发投入和论文数量方面的优势，以及美国在私营投资、专利数量和研究质量方面的优势。她还讨论了与其他国家合作的可能性，以及中国追求技术自给自足的战略和安全意义。此外，她还强调了建立强大的量子技术供应链和培养量子技术人才队伍的重要性，并指出了中国在稀土资源方面对美国构成的潜在风险。最后，她预测了美中量子计算竞争未来的发展趋势，并指出技术商业化进程和量子计算机的纠错率将是决定竞争结果的关键因素。 Sam Howell详细解释了量子计算的原理，包括叠加和纠缠的概念，以及量子比特与传统比特的区别。她分析了量子计算在美中科技竞争中的战略意义，指出其广泛的应用前景使其成为改变地缘政治力量平衡的关键技术。她比较了美中两国在量子计算领域的优势和劣势，指出中国在研发投入方面领先，而美国在私营投资、专利数量和研究质量方面具有优势。她还讨论了与其他国家合作的可能性，以及中国追求技术自给自足的战略和安全意义，并分析了中国在稀土资源方面对美国构成的潜在风险。此外，她还强调了建立强大的量子技术供应链和培养量子技术人才队伍的重要性，并预测了美中量子计算竞争未来的发展趋势，指出技术商业化进程和量子计算机的纠错率将是决定竞争结果的关键因素。

Deep Dive

Chapters
This chapter defines quantum computing in simple terms, highlighting its potential to revolutionize various sectors and its significance in the US-China geopolitical landscape. It explains the unique properties of quantum computers and their potential applications, emphasizing the far-reaching implications of falling behind in this technology.
  • Quantum computing harnesses quantum mechanics to solve complex problems beyond classical computers' capabilities.
  • It leverages superposition and entanglement for unparalleled speed and processing power.
  • Its applications span various fields, from defense to medicine, impacting national economic and military power.

Shownotes Transcript

Quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to perform fast and complex calculations. It is often defined as a disruptive technology and is among the advanced technologies at the forefront of US-China competition. Although the US has been in the lead in the development and applications of quantum technology, China is making rapid strides. Earlier this year, China’s independently developed quantum computer, Origin Wukong, named after the Monkey King (a famous character from Chinese mythology) made the country the third in the world to develop this state-of-the-art machine. 

Quantum computing has many potential applications, including financial modeling, artificial intelligence, scientific research, as well as in defense areas, such as undersea warfare and military communications networks. A new report from the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), titled “The Quest for Qubits: Assessing U.S.-China Competition in Quantum Computing” explains the quantum strategies being pursued by the US and China. It makes recommendations for the US to strengthen its position in its competition with China in quantum computing.

Host Bonnie Glaser is joined by the report’s author, Sam Howell, an adjunct associate fellow, with the Technology and National Security program at CNAS. Her research interests include quantum information science, semi-conductor STEM workforce issues, and the use of emerging technologies to enhance human performance. 

 

Timestamps

[02:00] What is quantum computing?

[04:10] Quantum Computing in US-China Competition

[05:58] American and Chinese Strengths and Weaknesses

[09:36] Possibility of Working with Other Actors

[11:56] Status of US-China Scientific Collaboration

[14:30] Chinese Technological Self-Sufficiency

[17:58] Building a Quantum Technology Supply Chain

[22:05] Fostering a Quantum Technology Workforce

[25:52] Key Variables of US-China Competition