China has made it clear that the country will focus on three strategic technologies - space, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing and communication - to emerge as a global leader by 2049. During the “Two Sessions” of the National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of these three technologies for China’s national rejuvenation. To achieve this, China has reconstituted its Ministry of Science and Technology and created a powerful Central Science and Technology Commission.
Space: China's ambitions
China has already established a permanent base on the Moon and plans to demonstrate a gigawatt-level power generation capability via its space-based solar power project by 2050. China aims to conduct a human Mars mission between 2033-2049 and an asteroid exploration mission by 2025. It also has its own independent Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space station, the Tiangong. The country has its own independent BeiDou navigation system comprising 35 satellites, nearly 250 military satellites for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting. In 2021, planetary defense was identified as a key mission, which includes tracking asteroids and meteorites and developing deflection technologies. China has identified asteroid 2019 VL5 as the destination of a planetary defense mission, wherein it will launch both an observer and an impactor spacecraft in 2025.
AI: China's capabilities
China is rapidly advancing its AI capabilities, which are built on a strong foundation of data availability and vast talent pools. China's AI strategy aims to make the country the global leader in AI by 2030. Its focus is on developing machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and speech recognition. China has already overtaken the United States in the number of AI research papers published, and companies like Tencent and Alibaba are leading the development of AI applications in China.
Quantum computing and communication: China's progress
China has made significant progress in quantum computing and communication, which is a critical area for achieving information security in the country. Quantum communication is a secure way of transmitting information that cannot be intercepted by any third party. In 2020, China launched the world’s first quantum communication satellite, which enabled the country to transmit an uncrackable code over a distance of 1,200 km. China is also developing a quantum computer, which is expected to be more powerful than traditional computers. In November 2020, China unveiled its latest quantum computer prototype, which has the potential to perform calculations that would take traditional computers thousands of years to complete.
The importance of these technologies for China
The Chinese government recognizes that the competition in these strategic technologies is key to becoming a global power. It aims to lead in these technologies to ensure national rejuvenation and add to its great power advantage vis-Ã -vis the United States. China's progress in these three areas gives it a significant advantage, and the country is likely to continue to make rapid progress in the future. The world will be watching closely as China's ambitious plans unfold, and the country continues to compete with the United States and other nations in these critical areas.
