In recent years, the boundaries of science fiction have quietly dissolved into scientific fact. One of the most mind-bending advancements is quantum teleportation. While we’re not beaming humans across space yet, scientists have successfully teleported qubits—quantum bits of information—across distances with astounding accuracy. And now, with the growing power of quantum computers and their potential applications in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and defense, this technology is rapidly becoming a linchpin in the new global arms race. Quantum teleportation isn’t just science fiction anymore. With nations racing to dominate quantum computing and secure rare earth elements, the future of global power may be rewritten.
But with progress comes peril. The stakes are high. Quantum computing may offer unbreakable encryption and revolutionary medicine, but it could also accelerate AI to the brink of self-awareness and unravel modern security systems overnight. Meanwhile, the competition to secure rare earth elements (REEs), which are essential for building quantum technologies, adds another layer of geopolitical tension. Are we truly prepared for this shift?
Quantum Teleportation: The Reality Behind the Science
In 2020, researchers at Fermilab, Caltech, and other institutions achieved quantum teleportation over 44 kilometers using fiber-optic cables. This marked a significant milestone toward creating a quantum internet. Teleportation in this context refers to transmitting quantum information from one location to another, instantly and without physically moving the particle itself. It relies on quantum entanglement, a phenomenon where two particles become intrinsically linked no matter the distance between them.
This breakthrough wasn’t just a headline-grabber. It demonstrated the viability of secure quantum communication networks and quantum data transfer—an essential component of future computing infrastructure. In the age of cyber warfare, such technology could redefine what it means to have a technological upper hand.
The Quantum Computing Arms Race
Today, the United States, China, the European Union, and several private tech giants are locked in a race to achieve “quantum supremacy”—the point where a quantum computer can solve problems no classical computer can. In 2019, Google claimed to have reached this milestone with their Sycamore processor, completing a task in 200 seconds that would take the most powerful supercomputer 10,000 years.
Meanwhile, China’s Jiuzhang photonic quantum computer was reported to be 10 billion times faster than Google’s quantum system in certain tasks. As of 2025, multiple governments have collectively invested over $50 billion into quantum R&D, with China alone pledging over $15 billion. The U.S. National Quantum Initiative Act and Europe’s Quantum Flagship program illustrate how seriously nations are taking this frontier.
Quantum computing’s ability to break RSA encryption could destabilize cybersecurity as we know it. As countries scale up their efforts, the risk isn’t just in who gets there first—it’s in what they do once they do.
Rare Earth Elements (REEs): The Hidden Catalyst
Quantum computers are not purely abstract constructs of light and code. They rely on physical materials, including superconductors and rare earth elements. REEs like neodymium, dysprosium, yttrium, and terbium are essential in constructing the magnets, cooling systems, and control interfaces of quantum systems.
China currently dominates the global supply chain, controlling approximately 60% of the world’s REE production and processing over 85% of it. The U.S., Australia, and the EU have responded with their own mining and recycling initiatives, but they remain behind. With the global demand for REEs expected to grow by 400-600% over the next two decades, the scramble to secure these materials is not just about tech—it’s about geopolitical leverage.
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense added ytterbium and holmium to its list of critical minerals for national security. Meanwhile, the European Raw Materials Alliance launched a strategic plan to diversify supply chains away from China. The competition is intensifying, and access to REEs may well determine who leads the quantum future.
The AI Singularity Question
Quantum computers could exponentially enhance AI capabilities. Machine learning algorithms running on quantum processors could process more variables simultaneously and identify patterns with unprecedented speed. This opens doors for drug discovery, logistics, and climate modeling—but also for autonomous weapons, surveillance systems, and deepfake content creation.
Some scientists and technologists warn that a quantum-powered AI could accelerate the timeline toward the so-called “singularity”—a point at which AI surpasses human intelligence and potentially becomes self-aware. Experts like Ray Kurzweil have predicted this moment may arrive by the 2040s, but quantum advancements could bring it sooner.
Without proper governance and ethical frameworks, such an event could destabilize social, political, and economic structures globally. The possibility of an uncontrollable AI deciding outcomes in military, financial, or healthcare systems is not merely a sci-fi trope anymore.
Current Global Safeguards and Their Shortcomings
Despite the magnitude of the challenge, current safeguards are insufficient. The U.S. and EU have begun drafting post-quantum cryptographic standards, but adoption is slow. The United Nations has discussed global frameworks for AI and quantum ethics, but without enforceable treaties, these efforts remain largely symbolic.
China, meanwhile, has taken a more centralized approach, with the government setting strict AI guidelines and leading national research initiatives in quantum encryption. However, critics argue that transparency is lacking and the technology may still be used for authoritarian control.
International coalitions like the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and the Quantum Technology Policy Council have tried to bridge these gaps. But there is no Geneva Convention for quantum warfare or AI conduct yet—and that’s a glaring vulnerability.
Looking Ahead: What Needs to Change
To avoid spiraling into a technological cold war, nations must agree on:
- REE Resource Agreements: Similar to OPEC, a global body should be established to regulate REE mining and trade to prevent monopolies.
- Post-Quantum Encryption Standards: Urgently adopt and implement globally standardized quantum-safe cryptography.
- Transparency in Quantum Research: Governments and corporations must share non-sensitive breakthroughs to avoid miscalculation and mistrust.
- AI Ethics Enforced by Law: Move beyond voluntary frameworks and establish international treaties with real enforcement mechanisms.
- Public Awareness and Education: Ensure the global public understands both the promises and perils of these technologies.
Conclusion:
Swedish tech philosopher Mattias Knutsson has long argued that technology must be guided by purpose, not just capability. In a recent interview, he said:
“Quantum teleportation isn’t just a marvel of science. It’s a mirror. It reflects what kind of world we are trying to build—or destroy.”
Knutsson urges policymakers, scientists, and citizens alike to see beyond the allure of supremacy. For him, the real breakthrough lies not in teleporting information, but in transporting humanity’s ethical compass into the future.
In a race where the prize is nothing short of reshaping reality, the greatest leap forward may be knowing when to slow down.
REEs Previous Posts you might also like:
#Chapter 1:
- A Guide to Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Global Importance and Real-World Uses
- Where Are REEs Found and How Are They Mined?
- The Global Supply Chain and China’s Dominance in Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
Chapter 2:
- The Battle for Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Why Trump Wants Mining Rights in Greenland, Ukraine, and Canada
- Rare Earth Elements (REEs) Outlook: The Hidden Battle for Global Power and Innovation
#Chapter 3:
- Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in Ukraine and Kazakhstan: Untapped Potential or Future Powerhouses?
- The Global Quest for Rare Earth Elements (REEs) Deposits: Unexplored Frontiers and Emerging Hotspots
Chapter 4:
- Rare Earth Recycling: The Key to a Sustainable REEs Supply?
- Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Global Supply Chain Challenges
- The Role of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in Modern Technology
Chapter 5:
- The Critical Role of Rare Earth Elements in Quantum Technology
- AI Meets Quantum: How Rare Earths Power the Next Computing Revolution
- Superconductors and Rare Earths (REEs): The Key to Next-Gen AI and Quantum Computing
- Rare Earths (REEs) in Quantum Cryptography: The Future of Unbreakable Encryption
- Rare Earths (REEs) and Quantum Sensors: Redefining Precision Technology
