The world's first quantum encryption system
China Telecom Quantum Group completed a cross-regional quantum-encrypted call, covering a distance of more than 965 km between Beijing and Hefei using anti-hacking technology.
China Telecom Quantum Group's system combines quantum mechanics and post-quantum cryptography. Photo: iStockView full screen
China Telecom Quantum Group's system combines quantum mechanics and post-quantum cryptography. Photo: iStock
As quantum computing technology advances, traditional encryption faces increasing risks from powerful new algorithms. To address this, a Chinese company, China Telecom Quantum Group, last week unveiled the world’s first commercial encryption system that is resistant to attacks from quantum computers, according to SCMP . They launched the world’s first distributed encryption system, combining two core technologies. The company also made the world’s first cross-regional quantum-encrypted phone call using the system, over a distance of more than 600 miles between Beijing and Hefei.
Combining two advanced methods, the new system uses quantum key distribution to securely transmit encryption keys, protecting data with complex mathematical algorithms. China Telecom said the combination of quantum mechanics and post-quantum encryption creates an end-to-end security architecture, suitable for mission-critical applications such as real-time communication, data protection, and trusted identity authentication.
Public-key cryptography will face increasing risks as quantum computing technology advances globally, according to Peng Chengzhi, director of quantum science at China Telecom and professor at the University of Science and Technology of China. He stressed the need to accelerate the development and deployment of cybersecurity infrastructure to counter the emerging threats from advanced quantum technology.
China Telecom explained that its system has a solid three-layer architecture, has been successfully tested in real-world conditions, and is ready for large-scale commercial deployment, marking a major step toward practical quantum-secure communications. It has established quantum metropolitan area networks in 16 major Chinese cities, including Hefei, Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. These networks create a nationwide cross-regional backbone for quantum-secure communications, putting China in the ranks of leading countries in quantum security.
Among them, the Hefei Quantum Network stands out as the largest and most advanced quantum network in the world. With 8 core nodes and 159 access points covering approximately 1,147 km of quantum key distribution fiber, the network currently serves approximately 500 government agencies and 380 state-owned enterprises, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics and ensuring nearly unbreakable encryption.
According to Interesting Engineering , China Telecom also launched Quantum Secret, the world's first quantum-secure messaging and collaboration platform that provides businesses and government agencies with enhanced protection for sensitive communications. In addition, the company introduced Quantum Cloud Seal, a secure platform designed for a variety of key applications such as government approvals, financial audits, and enterprise workflow management. Both platforms are widely adopted across multiple industries.
