July 14, 2025

By Anjali Kochhar

In a bold leap toward digital security, China has introduced a next-generation blockchain system designed to resist the powerful capabilities of quantum computers. This new technology, developed by researchers from the University of Science and Technology Beijing alongside top institutions like the Beijing Institute of Technology, is called EQAS – Efficient Quantum-resistant Authentication Storage. It promises to make traditional cyberattacks obsolete by integrating post-quantum cryptography directly into its structure.

Unlike existing blockchains that rely on encryption methods vulnerable to future quantum breakthroughs, EQAS is built using SPHINCS, a secure hash-based signature scheme. Researchers believe this approach can protect blockchain data from being compromised even when advanced quantum computers become mainstream. The innovation comes at a time when the global cybersecurity community is racing against the clock to find solutions that can withstand the exponential power of quantum decryption.

The EQAS system separates authentication from data storage and employs a dynamic tree proof structure for enhanced scalability and performance. In real-world trials, the platform achieved data validation in around 40 seconds, significantly faster than Ethereum’s average confirmation time. This performance, paired with its robust architecture, positions EQAS as a serious candidate for widespread adoption across critical sectors.

Chinese scientists emphasise that the need for post-quantum security is no longer a future concern. With recent advancements in quantum computing, including systems capable of factoring complex encryption keys, the clock is ticking for traditional digital security systems. One major breakthrough involved the successful breach of RSA encryption using a prototype quantum machine. While full-scale attacks may still be a few years away, the foundations are being laid rapidly.

Experts have likened the current situation to watching a fire slowly approach a wooden structure but choosing not to rebuild it with fireproof materials. The vulnerability of current encryption methods is well-known, yet the transition to quantum-resistant alternatives has been slow. China’s move may accelerate that transition globally.

By launching EQAS, China is signalling its readiness for a post-quantum world. As industries ranging from finance to logistics rely increasingly on blockchain for secure transactions, the adoption of quantum-resistant infrastructure is likely to become not just an option but a necessity. This development could shift global standards and inspire similar innovations across the world.

About the author

Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency and blockchain stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over four years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.