China's technological development has been getting faster and faster in recent years, especially at the end of 2024, it was like a cheat, and a bunch of major achievements emerged in large numbers. In the past few hundred years, China has basically been catching up in technology, and now it has finally begun to lead in many fields. This is not only a reflection of national strength, but also a direct impact on the global landscape. Think about it, from quantum computing to aerospace, to high-end materials and transportation, these breakthroughs are not sporadic, but are concentrated outbreaks covering more than a dozen key industries. Such momentum makes people feel that China's industry is shifting from low-end manufacturing to high-end innovation, and its influence spreads to the whole world.
Let's talk about quantum computing first. China announced the Zuchongzhi-3 superconducting quantum processor in early December 2024. This thing has 105 qubits and handles random line sampling tasks much faster than similar products from Google. Before, Zu Chongzhi No. 2 was quite awesome. This time, No. 3 directly increased the number of bits and couplers, and its stability also reached a higher level. The scientific research team uses it to simulate complex quantum systems, which will be of great use in drug research and development and material design in the future. This achievement directly pushes China to the forefront of quantum technology, and internationally, we must recognize China's competitiveness in this field.
Immediately followed by the space field. On December 17, 2024, the Shenzhou 19 astronaut worked outside the space station for 9 hours and 6 minutes, breaking the previous world record. Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong completed a series of installation and maintenance tasks, which not only took a long time, but also demonstrated that China's space station operation capabilities are becoming more and more mature. The Chinese space station is now the only on-orbit space station in the world, and it can perform various experiments, covering everything from biology to materials science. This long spacewalk proves the endurance and technical level of Chinese astronauts, laying the foundation for future missions to the moon or Mars.
Material science is not idle either. In December 2024, China made new progress in diamond semiconductors and synthesized high-purity diamond substrates, which can improve heat resistance and efficiency on chips. In the past, diamond materials were mainly imported, but now China has mastered large-scale production technology, which is a major improvement for electronic equipment and power devices. During the same period, DDR5 memory chips also achieved a breakthrough. Changxin Storage began mass-producing 16Gb DDR5 chips at the end of the year. Although the process nodes lag behind Samsung or Micron, this is the first time that China independently produces high-end DDR5, marking that the memory chip field has begun to catch up with the international level.
Aviation is very lively. On December 26, 2024, the prototype of the J-36 sixth-generation aircraft of Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group made its first flight. The aircraft number is 36011, adopts a tailless layout, three-engine design, strong stealth performance and long range. Almost at the same time, Shenyang Aircraft Industry Group's twin-engine sixth-generation aircraft also appeared, perhaps the J-50, which is also a stealth fighter, emphasizing the integration of maneuverability and sensors. These sixth-generation aircraft pay more attention to artificial intelligence and unmanned coordinated operations than fifth-generation aircraft, and the strength of the Chinese Air Force has reached a higher level. The oil transport-20B tanker was also revealed in 2024. The new engine WS-20 has increased the range and fuel capacity and can support long-range combat. The early warning aircraft family has also been expanded. The KJ-3000 is based on the Y-20 platform, with a larger radar array and can detect stealth targets. The video of the WZ-9 Divine Condor Unmanned Early Warning Aircraft was released at the end of December, with a two-body layout, high-altitude long-distance flight, specialized in anti-stealing, and wide radar coverage.
Naval equipment is also eye-catching. On December 27, 2024, the Sichuan type amphibious assault ship was launched in Shanghai. This is the world's first amphibious ship with electromagnetic catapults. It has a displacement of more than 40,000 tons. It can take off and land fixed-wing drones and helicopters, enhancing its ocean-going delivery capabilities. Marine equipment also has the Exploration 3 Comprehensive Scientific Expedition Ship, which was delivered in Guangzhou at the end of December. It is 104 meters long and has a displacement of 10,000 tons. It can break ice and sail and supports deep-sea exploration and manned submersible operation. The 5,000-ton crane ship of Railway Construction was also delivered in October, but the test was completed by the end of the year. The crane boom can lift giant offshore wind power equipment, which has enhanced China's marine engineering strength.
In terms of transportation, the Fuxing CR450 high-speed rail prototype was unveiled on December 29, 2024. It has an operating speed of 400 km/h and a test of 450 km/h, which is much faster than the existing CR400. It has a lighter body and high energy efficiency. It can shorten travel time between cities in the future. The hypersonic aircraft MD-19 was released on December 17 with a speed of Mach 6.56. It can be launched from drones or balloons. It has strong wide-domain flight capabilities and has potential for military and civilian use.
Engine technology also keeps up with the pace. The hydrogen and oxygen rotating knock rocket engine completed a long-term thermal test on December 27, with stable flames and efficient thrust, suitable for future rockets. The 600kg thrust turbofan engine used for high-end drones was successfully ignited at the same time, and it is planned to make its first flight in 2025, which has taken a big step in the independent power of China's drone. In terms of nuclear technology, the Institute of Nuclear Industry Physical and Chemical Engineering isolated high-purity nickel-64 isotope at the end of the year, with an abundance of more than 99%, which is used for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in nuclear medicine.
Why are these results concentratedly announced within 13 days? On the one hand, China's scientific research has accumulated to the explosion point, and on the other hand, it may be the national strategic layout to show its strength and boost confidence. In the past, China's industry relied on labor costs, but now it has turned to innovation-driven, with policies supporting large amounts of capital investment in R&D. For example, the 14th Five-Year Plan emphasizes scientific and technological independence, and these breakthroughs are the results. Globally, China is leading in hypersonic, quantum and high-speed rail, affecting supply chain reshaping. Western countries are worried about technology spillovers, but China emphasizes win-win cooperation, which can promote global scientific and technological progress.
Looking forward, these technologies will be applied quickly. Quantum processors enter data centers to accelerate AI computing. The sixth-generation aircraft and early warning aircraft strengthen national defense, and the space station will produce new materials for experiments. High-speed rail is exported to more countries to drive infrastructure. The engine improves satellite launch capabilities, and marine ships support resource exploration. Nickel isotope improves medical care. Overall, China's industry has increased its economic resilience from following to leading the way. But the challenge is still there, core chips still need to be worked on, and international cooperation cannot be missed. In general, this outbreak marks the entry of a new stage of China's science and technology industry and has far-reaching impact.
