China takes lead in quantum technology, to facilitate lab to application process: CPPCC member

China remains at the forefront of global quantum technology development and will step up efforts to translate laboratory breakthroughs into practical applications, leading quantum physicist Pan Jianwei said in Beijing on Wednesday.

Pan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, highlighted China's advances and ambitions in the field during a group interview with CPPCC National Committee members in Beijing.

"We have been dedicated to promoting China's quantum technology development. China continues to lead in quantum communication, ranks among the world's top tier in quantum computing, and has made significant strides in quantum precision measurement," said the scientist.

"China developed and launched the world's first quantum micro-nano satellite, enabling quantum-encrypted image transmission over more than 10,000 kilometers between China and South Africa, which is a global record. We have developed a high-precision strontium optical lattice clock, which could help redefine the fundamental unit of time, the second, and strengthen China's capacity in strategic security and independent economic operations. In addition, we have also independently built a world-class high-energy dilution refrigerator to support the development of the 'Zuchongzhi' series quantum processors," he added.

During the 15th five-year-plan period, which lasts from 2026 to 2030, Pan vowed to continue to foster innovation and facilitate the lab-to-market process.

"Through participation in multiple national major science and technology projects, our team has become increasingly youthful and highly interdisciplinary. It demonstrates strong capabilities in both frontier exploration and engineering breakthroughs, providing a solid foundation for China's sustained progress in quantum technology. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will focus on strengthening original innovation, deepening industry-academia-research integration, and accelerating the translation of laboratory breakthroughs to real-life applications, so that quantum technologies can better support the fostering of new quality productive forces and empower high-quality development," he said.

China takes lead in quantum technology, to facilitate lab to application process: CPPCC member

China's 15th Five-Year Plan proposal sends a strong signal of the country's commitment to upholding openness and cooperation, which will promote further development for the country and the world, said officials and scholars around the world.

The draft 15th Five-Year Plan, the blueprint that will guide the world's second-largest economy from 2026 to 2030, is central to steer China to move toward modernization amid technological disruption, demographic shifts and an increasingly fractured global order, according to the scholars.

"China's 15th Five-Year Plan is not a rigid model; it is more like benchmarks for growth targets and focal points. Chinese economists and economic decision-makers are not just focusing on qualitative growth, but also on innovative development. We're witnessing new transportation methods, robotics and artificial intelligence," said Andrey Denisov, first deputy chair of Russia's Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Russian Ambassador to China.

"The 15th Five-Year Plan is of great importance to China's development. The country is poised to make remarkable advancements in various sectors, including artificial intelligence, high-end manufacturing and infrastructure construction. Given the shifting global context and China's transition towards high-quality development, I am confident that this plan will herald a new era for China's development," said Kamel Mansari, news director of the French-language daily Le Jeune Independent.

Scholars also noted that China's commitment to high-quality development and high-level opening-up will promote win-win results and benefit the world.

"China has emerged as a key partner for most countries worldwide, and a preferred partner due to its closeness and integration with global communities, as well as its strong humanitarian perspective. The Chinese economy has not only benefited itself; it has helped many economies worldwide flourish through its partnerships," said Dirgham Muhammad Ali, an Iraqi economic expert.

China's National People's Congress (NPC) is scheduled to open in Beijing on Wednesday, with lawmakers set to approve the 15th Five-Year Plan.

15th Five-Year Plan to guide China's development, benefit world: scholars