Zone plays leading role in communications security

By Yuan Shenggao | China Daily | Updated: 2018-11-09 09:16

With its forward-looking layout and innovation-driven ethos, the Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone in Shanghai has fully committed itself to consolidating its leading position in the cutting-edge development of quantum communications - seen by many as the best future defense for protecting internet and communications networks.

Experts say the future of secure communications lies in quantum encryption, which goes far beyond existing conventional electronic communications networks.

China has, through various exciting projects, moved to the forefront of the commercialization of quantum technology.

Zhangjiang officials said that in 2014, the zone began construct the first phase of the Shanghai Quantum Communications Industrial Park to support QuantumCTek Co. The company, which specializes in quantum information technology applications, is building the Lujiazui financial quantum communications demonstration network.

According to the zone, 17 leading financial institutions and organizations, including the Bank of China and Bank of Communications, have joined the network.

In 2016, Zhangjiang signed cooperation agreements with the Chinese Academy of Sciences Holdings, also known as CASH, to launch the CAS Quantum Network Co.

Officials said the CAS Quantum Network has achieved "outstanding results" in the development and applications of quantum communications technology. It is building a national-wide area quantum communications network in Shanghai and the surrounding Yangtze River Delta.

Zhangjiang authorities added that by 2020, a secure communications network based on quantum technologies will be built that will cover Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, the Yangtze Economic Belt and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

During the 2018 China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair, which was held on April 19-21, the CAS Quantum Network signed strategic cooperation agreements with several institutions.

The agreements - signed with the Beijing Electronic Science and Technology Institute, the Technology and Standards Research Institute at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, the School of Cyberspace Security at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications and others - helped strengthen cooperation in sectors such as quantum communications network planning, testing and certification and the enhancement of network services.

Officials said the partnerships ensured sustainable development of China's quantum communications networks and contributed to China's economic development and information security.

Zhangjiang has become one of Shanghai's most powerful engines for economic and technological development.

Apart from the quantum communications industry, Zhangjiang has reported breakthroughs in many advanced scientific fields and some results represent the highest level industry-wide. The zone has participated in or initiated many key scientific projects covering the development of deep sea exploration and manned spacecraft.

Good news is also being reported in areas such as high-end medical imaging equipment, stem cell treatment and microchip development and production, according to the zone's officials.

The zone has made a name for itself in creating a premium environment for startups and innovative businesses. It has more than 600 public service platforms that can offer services ranging from intellectual property rights, fintech, the recruitment of professionals, to business incubation.