China Telecom Quantum Group (CTQG), located in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone, recently published the world's first distributed cryptography system.

Integrating both quantum key distribution (QKD), which uses the principles of quantum mechanics to securely transmit encryption keys, and post-quantum cryptography (PQC), which relies on complex mathematical problems to lock down data, the system forms an end-to-end quantum-secure architecture for core uses such as real-time communication, data protection, and trusted identity authentication.

Based on the system, the company completed the world's first cross-regional quantum-encrypted phone call over a distance of more than 1,000 km between Beijing and Hefei.

The launch of the system marked that China's integrated cryptography technology system based on "QKD+PQC" has entered a new stage of large-scale commercial use, and the new generation of quantum security infrastructure has achieved a systemic technological breakthrough.

In 2023, China Telecom established its wholly-owned subsidiary CTQG in the Hefei high-tech zone. To date, the company has unveiled more than 20 quantum technology products, covering multiple fields such as government affairs, emergency response, industry, and finance. 

At present, the zone is home to 64 quantum technology enterprises, among which 28 are leading firms in the sector.