China, which has caused a stir in the artificial intelligence (AI) field with DeepSeek, is also closely chasing the U.S. by investing huge budgets in quantum technology.
Last December, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the University of Science and Technology of China unveiled the quantum computer processor Zuchongzhi 3.0. At 105 qubits, this processor is equivalent to Google’s Willow. Its computational power matches that of Google’s Sycamore. While it may not outperform Willow, it’s reportedly superior to its previous version.
Both Sycamore and Zuchongzhi can solve problems in a few minutes that would take supercomputers billions of years to crack.
According to the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP) on Tuesday, China has invested about $15 billion in quantum technology over the past five years. The figure is four times that of the U.S. ($3.8 billion) during the same period. China ranks first in the world regarding government investment in quantum research.
The U.S. Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) noted that while China leads in quantum communication technology, it’s still far behind the U.S. in quantum computing and algorithm development. However, the Chinese government is pouring huge resources into closing this gap.
ITIF added that China focuses on near-term, market-ready quantum technologies and aims to dominate in areas closest to commercialization.
In response, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed export controls on key Chinese quantum research institutions last year.
South Korea is also ramping up its quantum efforts, declaring 2025 the year of quantum industry development. The country has allocated $148 million for quantum R&D, a 54.1% increase from last year, but this seems insufficient compared to China’s annual $30 billion investment.
According to the Global R&D Strategic Map of the Global R&D Special Committee, Korea is the lowest among 12 major countries in quantum research, considering factors like publications, patents, and expert assessments.
For this reason, experts suggest that the government focus on developing quantum chip materials, components, and equipment that can be quickly applied to the industry and seek a niche to strengthen its capabilities in the quantum field.
A Ministry of Science and ICT official stated, “The quantum field is vast, and no single country can dominate everything. By focusing on materials, components, equipment, and algorithm development, we can position ourselves as a valuable partner to cooperate with major countries in the global quantum value chain.”
South Korea’s Quantum Strategy Committee is expected to launch in March this year. However, the impeachment has raised concerns about the strategic committee, which has the prime minister as its chairman and establishes a comprehensive plan for ministries.
The official added that the committee’s composition is nearly finalized, and Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang Mok strongly supports its swift implementation.
