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Analysis and Technology

Why quantum computers are being held back by geopolitical tussles

Fears that other nations could gain an advantage are holding back the development of quantum computers, with export controls and other restrictions making it harder for researchers to work across borders

By Matthew Sparkes

11 February 2025

Both China and the US are aiming to pull ahead with quantum computing

Shutterstock/Niphon Subsri

Quantum computers were once nothing more than a plaything for physicists, but as their capabilities have grown, so too has the attention from governments. The US, China and European nations are all racing to develop these exotic machines, while carefully balancing national security needs with commercial opportunities. But have they got the balance right?

The first nation to develop a sufficiently powerful quantum computer will be able to crack many encryption algorithms in use today and gain access to the rest of the world’s…

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