Quantum technologies, spanning communication, sensing, computing, and cryptography, are rapidly emerging as critical paths of geopolitical competition and strategic defence innovation. Unlike traditional technological advances, quantum introduces novel capabilities that fundamentally disrupt established norms of security, intelligence, and diplomatic engagement. This strategic analysis explores the evolving quantum landscape through the dual lenses of diplomacy and geopolitics, with specific implications for defence leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The benefits and challenges of quantum technologies are examined from a diplomatic and geopolitical perspective to help leaders make informed strategic decisions. Leading powers now recognise quantum as a domain where technological leadership directly translates to geopolitical influence, compelling an intense race for dominance alongside new forms of multilateral diplomacy aimed at managing both risks and opportunities. Quantum technologies do not all have the same operational maturity, but technological progress is accelerating. Post-quantum cryptography demands immediate action, every encrypted communication created today may be harvested and decrypted within the decade by adversaries equipped with quantum capabilities.

翻译：量子技术涵盖通信、传感、计算与密码学等领域，正迅速崛起为地缘政治竞争与战略防御创新的关键赛道。与传统技术进步不同，量子技术引入了从根本上颠覆安全、情报和外交互动既定范式的新能力。本战略分析通过外交与地缘政治的双重视角，探讨不断演变的量子格局，并具体阐述其对防务领导者、政策制定者和产业利益相关方的影响。研究从外交和地缘政治维度审视量子技术的优势与挑战，以协助决策者制定明智的战略规划。主要大国现已认识到，量子领域的技术领先地位可直接转化为地缘政治影响力，这既引发了争夺主导权的激烈竞赛，也催生了旨在管控风险与机遇的新型多边外交模式。各类量子技术的实际成熟度不尽相同，但技术进展正在加速。后量子密码学领域亟需立即行动——当前生成的任何加密通信，都可能在未来十年内被具备量子能力的对手截获并解密。