5 days ago
China unveils metrology plan to boost chip, quantum fields by 2030, beat US in tech
China has announced a five-year action plan aimed at driving disruptive innovation in metrology, the science of precise measurement. Released by the State Administration for Market Regulation, the 2030 plan prioritizes major breakthroughs in chip technology and quantum-scale measurement.
A recent report in the ministry's Science and Technology Daily highlights that China's plan aims to address multiple 'pain points' in its metrology capabilities, focusing on areas where measurement technologies are lacking or require improvement.
Metrology related to chips and rare earth magnets has become a key battleground in the US-China tech rivalry. While Washington tightens export controls on advanced chips over national security concerns, China is leveraging its dominance in rare earth metals by imposing its own export restrictions, the South China Morning Post writes.
Precise and reliable measurements are essential for many industries, so expanding metrology capabilities is a strategic priority for both China and the US. China's recent action plan aims to achieve comprehensive improvements in basic metrology and secure key breakthroughs across more than 50 core metrology technologies by 2030.
Designed to support China's 2021-2035 metrology development goals, the plan sets out to establish over 20 world-class metrology benchmarks and create at least 100 innovative devices and standardized materials.
The plan aims to enhance various sectors including trade settlement, healthcare, environmental monitoring, climate change, disaster prevention, food safety, criminal justice, and maritime operations.
The plan emphasizes advancing metrology research across several cutting-edge fields, including artificial intelligence, miniaturized sensing technologies, robotics, materials and additive manufacturing, measurement methods, comparison techniques, and the quantum-based reform and reproduction of the metric system.
A key focus is the development of precision measurement and sensing devices that utilize quantum physics, such as quantum gyroscopes designed for navigation. To push the boundaries of precision measurement, China plans to develop advanced quantum metrology devices, including distributable reference instruments that surpass the limitations of traditional techniques.
The initiative also expands research into chip-scale metrology, focusing on technologies such as nanoscale integrated circuits, neural network chip measurements, and on-chip frequency combs used to measure exact light frequencies.
Moreover, the plan comes less than a year after CHIPS for America—a U.S. Department of Commerce office established under the 2022 Chips and Science Act to boost American leadership in semiconductor research and production—launched its own initiative to tackle metrology challenges.
As semiconductor components continue to shrink and grow more complex, precise and reliable measurement has become increasingly vital to ensuring manufacturing quality and technological competitiveness, SCMP adds.
Furthermore, the 2030 plan includes advancing metrology for rare earth magnets—powerful materials made from elements largely mined and processed in China. Beijing recently added seven of these elements to its export control list, following new U.S. tariffs. Rare earths are vital for electric vehicles, electronics, and defense, leaving countries like the U.S. heavily reliant on Chinese supply.
