Microsoft Urges U.S. to Prioritise Quantum Computing or Risk Falling Behind China

Quantum computing has become the latest front in the global tech race — and Microsoft is warning that the United States risks being overtaken by China unless urgent steps are taken to strengthen research and development.

In a blog post released Monday, Microsoft President Brad Smith called on the Trump administration to significantly increase investment in quantum research, warning that failure to act could threaten U.S. national security, technological leadership, and economic competitiveness.

Why Quantum Computing Matters

Quantum computing uses qubits rather than classical bits to process information. Unlike traditional bits that are either 0 or 1, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing quantum machines to solve incredibly complex problems. This makes them particularly valuable for:

• Cryptography and data security

• Drug and chemical research

• Logistics and optimisation

• Financial modelling

But despite major breakthroughs, quantum computers are not yet ready for widespread commercial use. Microsoft says it's aiming to build a chip with at least 1 million qubits, although its current prototype, Majorana, contains just eight.

Microsoft’s Call to Action for the U.S. Government

Microsoft is urging a series of concrete steps, including:

• Renewing the National Quantum Initiative Act

• Increasing funding for DARPA-led quantum testing programmes

• Expanding quantum science education and talent development

• Fast-tracking visas for PhD holders with quantum expertise

• Investing in a domestic quantum hardware supply chain

Smith emphasised that these measures are critical if the U.S. wants to avoid falling behind China in what could become the most transformative computing race of the century.

Security Threats from a Quantum Gap

The National Security Agency (NSA) has previously raised concerns about quantum computing being used to break encryption, which secures everything from banking transactions to military secrets.

In 2024, NSA Director of Research Gil Herrera warned that a surprise breakthrough by a foreign adversary — a so-called "black swan event" — could allow encrypted communications to be cracked, potentially exposing confidential information including U.S. nuclear weapons systems.

Global Competition Heats Up

Microsoft’s warning follows other major developments in the field:

• Google recently revealed Willow, a quantum system that solved a complex problem in minutes — a task classical computers would take billions of years to process.

• Microsoft unveiled Majorana, claiming to have developed a new type of matter to power its quantum chip.

These advances underscore that while quantum supremacy is still years — possibly decades — away, the race is very much under way.

What’s Next?

While the U.S. currently remains a leader in tech innovation, the window to solidify a lead in quantum computing may be closing. According to Microsoft, government support, academic training, and industry partnerships will be essential to keep pace with China's fast-moving quantum ambitions.

(Sources: cnbc.com)