In a major leap for next-generation communications, Chinese scientists have successfully transmitted quantum information across optical fibre networks stretching over 1,000 km—and laid the groundwork for networks spanning thousands of kilometres. This isn’t science-fiction teleportation, but real progress toward an unhackable quantum internet.
What was achieved
Teams led by University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) among others have advanced long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD) via optical fibres. In one landmark experiment, researchers demonstrated a twin-field QKD link through 1,002 km of optical fibre—a world record for a point-to-point fibre link.
Earlier efforts had shown integrated quantum networks combining ground fibre spans with satellite links, reaching effective lengths of thousands of kilometres.
Why it matters
The “leap” in quantum information is less about speed and more about security. Traditional communications send bits through cables or satellites, vulnerable to interception. Quantum communication, by contrast, uses quantum states (such as photons in superposition or entanglement) so that any attempt at eavesdropping disturbs the quantum state and is detectable. This makes the resulting encryption essentially unbreakable by known methods.
So although “jumping” might evoke teleportation, what’s really happening is that information is encoded in a way that eliminates the classical “travel” and interception points; it’s secured by the laws of physics.
How it works (in plain terms)
Two parties (Alice and Bob) share a quantum channel (fibre or satellite) through which quantum keys are distributed.
They generate a shared secret key using quantum states. If an eavesdropper tries to intercept, the quantum state is disturbed and the parties can detect the intrusion.
That key is then used—often with a “one-time pad” approach—for ultra-secure encryption of messages.
The distance challenge has always been the loss of quantum signals (photons) in fibre or free space. Innovative protocols (e.g., twin-field QKD) and ultra-low loss fibres help overcome this.
What the Chinese achievement shows
By achieving QKD over 1,002 km of fibre, the team demonstrated that long-haul quantum communication is feasible even without trusted relay nodes.
Their earlier work on networks combining 700+ optical fibres and satellite links builds a blueprint for a nation-scale quantum secure network (~4,600 km effective span) in China.
This positions China as a global front-runner in quantum communication infrastructure.
Implications for the future
Security upgrade: Governments, banks, utilities and critical infrastructure could use quantum-secure channels to prevent future hacking attempts—even from quantum computers.
Quantum internet: This progress is a building block toward a full “quantum internet” where quantum states traverse networks, enabling new types of secure communication and quantum applications.
Technology challenge: While the physics are proven, scaling up (cost, practical devices, integration) remains a major hurdle.
Global race: As China accelerates deployment, other countries and companies are ramping up quantum network research and strategy.
In summary
Yes, information is beginning to “leap” rather than just travel: thanks to quantum physics, messages can be encoded in such a way that interception is essentially impossible—and now over distances of 1,000 km+ via fibre. The Chinese work shows us that an unhackable quantum network is no longer a distant sci-fi dream—it’s rapidly becoming real.
Source:
“USTC Achieves Thousand-Kilometer Quantum Key Distribution” — University of Science and Technology of China news release, 10 June 2023.
“China Creates World’s First Integrated Quantum Network Stretching For Thousands Of Kilometres” — IFLScience, 7 Jan 2021.
“Quantum cryptography network spans 4600 km in China” — Physics World, 7 Jan 2021.