China targets chip, quantum advances with 2030 metrology action plan in tech race with US
Plan aims to tackle several ‘pain points’ or shortcomings in China’s metrological capabilities, official Science and Technology Daily says
China has released an action plan for “disruptive technological innovation” in metrology – the scientific study of measurement – within the next five years.
The 2030 action plan, released by the State Administration for Market Regulation, focuses on breakthroughs in chip technology and quantum-scale measurement, both critical to a wide range of industries.
According to a report by ministry newspaper Science and Technology Daily last week, the plan targets tackling several “pain points” or shortcomings in China’s metrological capabilities, including measurement capabilities that are missing or need to be improved.
Metrological applications relating to chips and rare earth magnets have been flashpoints in the US-China technological rivalry, as Washington continues to tighten controls on hi-tech chip exports to China citing national security while China leverages its dominance in rare earth metals with its own export restrictions.
As metrology is the foundation for all industries dependent on precise and dependable measurements, the expansion of such capabilities is a strategic priority for both countries.
“By 2030, basic metrology capabilities will be comprehensively improved, with key breakthroughs in more than 50 key core technologies of metrology,” the Chinese action plan released on May 16 says.
Aimed at helping to implement China’s 2021-2035 metrological development goals, the plan envisages building more than 20 world-class metrology benchmarks and developing at least 100 innovative devices and standardised materials.
This will benefit a range of fields such as trade settlement, healthcare, environmental monitoring, climate change, disaster prevention, food safety, criminal justice and maritime activities, according to the plan.
Metrology research will be carried out in fields including artificial intelligence, miniaturised sensing technology, robotics, material and additive preparation, measurement procedures and comparison technology, as well as the reproduction and quantum reform of the metric system.
One area prominently featured in the plan is strengthening and developing precision measurement and sensing equipment that leverages quantum physics phenomena, such as quantum gyroscopes for navigation.
China will develop quantum metrology devices and “distributable quantum measurement standard reference devices and instruments that break through the precision limits of traditional metrology”, the plan says.
Research on chip-scale metrology will also be expanded, including technology for nanoscale integrated circuits, neural network chip metrology, and on-chip frequency combs, which measure exact frequencies of light.
China’s plan comes less than a year after CHIPS for America – a US Department of Commerce office set up under the 2022 Chips and Science Act that aims to increase American leadership in semiconductor research and production – launched a new initiative to address challenges in metrology.
As semiconductor components shrink and become more complex, metrological precision becomes increasingly critical to manufacturing success.
Despite US-led export curbs aimed at limiting its access to advanced semiconductors and bans on advanced AI-powered chips made by Chinese companies, China continues to push forward with domestic semiconductor development, achieving notable breakthroughs.
The 2030 action plan also aims to develop metrology technology for rare earth magnets, which are powerful magnets made of alloys of a group of 17 elements that are predominantly mined and processed by China.
Earlier this year, Beijing added seven rare earth elements to its export control list following US President Donald Trump’s April 2 tariff announcements.
Rare earth elements are essential for an array of applications, including electric vehicles, electronics, and defence systems. Countries like the US, with lower rare earth reserves and production, have relied on China to supply these critical elements.
Beyond chips and magnets, the action plan calls for strengthening research in high-precision measurement technologies such as image detection, precise positioning, and metrology in complex environments like nuclear facilities and space.
To achieve these goals, China aims to establish a metrology science and technology platform and a collaborative innovation platform among its institutions and enterprises. It also plans to cultivate metrology projects and comparison centres while boosting industry and manufacturing capabilities.