US maintains quantum computing lead over China despite AI speed difference

China's fastest quantum computer, Wukong, is set to launch next month but is still far behind the world's fastest quantum computers, including IBM's Osprey and Google's Bristlecone. Chinese scientists acknowledge the quantum gap with the West, citing China's less advanced industrial foundation and lack of access to high-end chip production equipment. While China is investing heavily in quantum, artificial intelligence, and aerospace technologies, it still has a long way to go to catch up with the US in terms of funds, talents, and equipment. Origin Quantum, a Chinese quantum computing company, is focusing on commercialization and is partnering with Nexchip Semiconductor Corp to produce superconducting chips.