China has ushered in a new era of cybersecurity with the world's first commercially-ready cryptography system that integrates quantum key distribution and post-quantum cryptography, marking a groundbreaking leap in defending against next-generation quantum computing threats.

In a landmark demonstration, China Telecom Quantum Group, which develops the cryptography system, said it has successfully conducted a cross-province quantum-encrypted voice call spanning over 1,000 kilometers, showcasing the system's stability and real-world viability. This milestone underscores China's leadership in transitioning quantum-resistant technologies from labs to commercial applications.

Peng Chengzhi, chief quantum scientist at China Telecom Quantum Group, said the global development of quantum computing poses severe challenges to information security based on public-key cryptography, necessitating accelerated efforts to build new quantum-resistant information security infrastructure.

As a critical component of this infrastructure, quantum communication will play a foundational role in safeguarding national security by providing robust defenses against potential quantum computing threats.

The move is part of China Telecom's broader push to develop quantum communication technologies. The company said its quantum backbone now spans 16 cities, including Hefei, Anhui province, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Guangdong province, through metropolitan quantum networks, protecting government, finance, energy, and other high-risk sectors.