The race is on
First it was space. Then AI. And now? Quantum computing.
It’s the latest global technology race that’s heating up and it’s still unclear whether we should start packing our survival kits and heading to a cabin in the woods.
So let’s clear a few things up on what the latest advances actually are and whether or not they are really a threat to our cybersecurity and data defense procedures.
Are Russia and China more prepared than the west?
There is no doubt that nation-states such as Russia and China are putting a lot of resources into research and development of quantum computing capabilities.
China has invested heavily in quantum technology, with an estimated USD 15 billion in government spending. The country isn’t just throwing money at the field—they’re leading the charge, publishing more quantum-related research papers than anyone else. They’ve even launched two quantum communication satellites, pushing the boundaries of next-gen communication technology.
Satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a game-changer, creating ultra-secure communication channels between ground stations and satellites. Using quantum principles like entangled photons, QKD establishes encryption keys that are essentially eavesdropping-proof. Why? Because any attempt to intercept the quantum communication disturbs the quantum state, effectively sounding the alarm. It’s like having a security system so good, it catches intruders before they even step on your lawn.
Russia is making strides in quantum computing, too. They’ve developed a 20-qubit quantum computer and have set their sights on scaling that up to 200+ qubits by the end of 2025. Not stopping there, Russian scientists are collaborating with their Chinese counterparts on projects like quantum sensors and simulators, further advancing the technology. It’s clear Russia is serious about carving out its place in the quantum race.
China’s International Route to D-Wave Technology
A big question on some experts’ mind is if China has access to D-Wave quantum computers for research and if they are collaborating with the west.
D-Wave quantum computers, a system originally developed in Canada specializes in optimizing real world applications. It’s access is supposedly limited to western institutions (currently around 100 organizations are using the innovative technology).
China’s direct access to D-Wave quantum computers is limited due to regional restrictions on D-Wave’s cloud services. However, Chinese researchers have found ways around this through international collaborations that provide indirect access to such technologies. For example, D-Wave and Forschungszentrum Jülich launched a quantum computer in Germany, granting access to European users. While there’s no concrete evidence of direct collaboration between D-Wave and Chinese institutions, China’s extensive network of international quantum research partnerships raises eyebrows about potential indirect access. After all, leveraging third parties to gain access to Western tech isn’t exactly uncharted territory or a source for ethical squabble for China.
Russian Quantum Center (RQC) and its quantum research
The Russian Quantum Center (RQC) has been a key player in the quantum race since its establishment in 2010, therefore beating China to the starting line by a year. RQC focuses on advancing quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum cryptography, playing a very important role in driving Russia’s quantum ambitions. They’ve also tapped into international collaborations to push their research even further, solidifying their position as a serious contender in the quantum space.
Are Russia and China are rewriting the Tech Espionage Playbook?
Both Russia and China are heavily investing in boosting their domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities to fuel their quantum computing ambitions. China, in particular, has ramped up investments in chipmaking equipment, aiming for self-reliance in semiconductors—a strategic move to reduce dependence on foreign technology.
There’s no shortage of reports, even if you aren’t part of the intelligence community, suggesting that Chinese entities employ creative methods to acquire advanced technology, including talent recruitment from Western tech companies. For instance, Chinese firms have allegedly attempted to lure engineers specializing in semiconductors and AI, aiming to gain an edge in these critical fields.
And let’s be honest, assuming that China—or Russia, for that matter—wouldn’t leverage every possible advantage is about as naïve as believing James Bond only works nine-to-five. While the specifics of black-market deals or espionage are often classified and well outside the reach of your average civilian, history reminds us that nations have long used intelligence operations to secure sensitive technologies.
Whether we’re talking about the development of the atom bomb or the hydrogen bomb, the parallels are hard to ignore. While specific evidence linking these activities to the development of Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computers (CRQCs) in Russia and China might be “eyes only” for POTUS, the CIA, MI6, or maybe even 007 himself, it’s not a stretch to assume that materials and knowledge have been sourced from labs far beyond their borders. If history is any guide, both nations are likely playing the long game to secure their quantum edge.
Ensuring cloud-native resilience amidst the race to break encryption
The quantum computing race is the 21st-century version of the space race—except instead of a race to the moon, it’s a race to break everyone’s encryption (and maybe reinvent the internet while they’re at it). Back in the 50s and 60s, Sputnik freaked everyone out, NASA got its act together, and suddenly the U.S. and the Soviets were battling for celestial bragging rights. Now it’s China, the U.S., and Russia, but instead of rockets, it’s qubits, and instead of moon landings, it’s quantum supremacy. And just like back then, there’s espionage, talent poaching, and a lot of shadowy moves—but this time, the stakes aren’t just prestige; it’s cybersecurity, AI dominance, and who gets to rewrite the rulebook for the future.
Think of it as the space race but with even nerdier stakes.
That’s why having a solid data protection strategy isn’t just about backing up files anymore. In today’s quantum computing and AI-driven world, your business needs more than just insurance – it needs to be future-proofed. It needs some sort of cloud guardian watching over your most precious assets.
N2W provides peace of mind knowing your data is safe, recoverable, and always available with features like immutable backups for enhanced protection in both short and long term, as well as fully resilient cloud-native backup and recovery across accounts and even clouds.
