China has launched a far-reaching action plan to transform its national metrology capabilities, with a focus on advanced semiconductor, quantum, and rare earth measurement technologies.
The 2030 plan has been released by the State Administration for Market Regulation and aims to modernise the country’s measurement infrastructure and secure its position at the heart of global technology supply chains.
The strategy is targeting breakthroughs in more than 50 core metrology technologies, prioritising chip-scale metrology, quantum sensing and rare earth magnet standards. By the end of the decade, China aims to establish more than 20 global metrology benchmarks and develop more than 100 new devices and standardised reference materials.
These advancements should support a wide range of sectors, from AI and defence to environmental monitoring and space exploration.
One key ambition of the plan is to advance quantum metrology. The strategy calls for the creation of distributable quantum measurement standard reference devices, such as quantum gyroscopes, which could provide ultra-precise navigation without reliance on GPS. This has potential applications in aerospace, undersea navigation and military systems.
China also aims to reform measurement standards themselves, with research into the reproduction and quantum reform of the metric system. This could eventually reduce dependence on internationally recognised standards institutions and support China’s drive for technological self-reliance.
China’s metrology push comes at a time of intense international competition in these fields. The plan is seen by some as a response to export restrictions and a broader effort to reduce reliance on foreign measurement tools and technologies.
