China’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), published on March 17, 2016, launched a national “Megaproject” for Quantum Technologies. The plan mentioned quantum twice and specifically included quantum communication among major science and technology initiatives, with concrete goals extending to 2030.
As described by CSIS ChinaPower, the megaproject goals included building a general-purpose quantum computing prototype, expanding nationwide quantum communication infrastructure, and developing practical quantum simulators. The State Council’s Science and Technology Innovation Plan, issued in August 2016, further detailed the focus on quantum control and quantum information as key research areas.
In November 2015, Xi Jinping had noted during discussions of the plan proposal that quantum communications would be added to the list of major sciences and technologies. MOST began issuing annual project reporting guidelines for its Quantum Control and Quantum Information Key Special program from February 2016 onward.