74: Chapter 74 The Dragon Kingdom's Declaration: Building a Global Quantum Communication Standard
While Dr. Green was mired in the despair of the digital ruins and the entire Pretty Country's cyberspace was filled with lamentation, the scene inside the National Convention Center in the capital of the Dragon Nation was entirely different.
The hall was brightly lit and solemn. Long guns and short cannons from major global mainstream media outlets were already set up. Reporters sat upright, and the air was thick with a premonition—today, world-shaking news would be announced.
Right on time, the Dragon Nation's foreign ministry spokesperson walked up to the podium alongside a technical official in a dark Zhongshan suit, exuding a calm and steady presence. Without any superfluous pleasantries, the spokesperson got straight to the point, their tone calm yet carrying an undeniable force:
"Everyone, there have been some localized, abnormal instabilities in the global internet recently. We have noted that certain countries, relying on their traditional technological advantages, have long engaged in indiscriminate network surveillance and bullying-style cyberattacks against other nations, severely undermining the peace and security of global cyberspace. In the end, they have also tasted the bitter fruit of their own making."
The audience fell silent, with only the clicking of camera shutters breaking the quiet. Everyone knew exactly which "certain countries" were being referred to.
"Based on a profound understanding of the current security situation in global cyberspace and a sense of responsibility for the future development of the information society," the spokesperson's voice rose slightly as their gaze swept across the room, "the Dragon Nation government hereby solemnly declares: We have successfully constructed the 'Mozi' quantum secure communication network, which covers the nation's major core nodes and possesses absolute security characteristics!"
"Whoa—!"
The audience erupted in an instant uproar! Even though there had been speculation, the impact of hearing terms like "quantum communication" and "absolute security" officially announced was still nuclear in scale!
The technical official took over, his voice amplified by the microphone throughout the venue and broadcast to the world: "The 'Mozi Network' is based on Quantum Key Distribution technology. Its security is guaranteed by the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics—any eavesdropping attempt will be detected. Currently, this network has been successfully applied in our nation's critical sectors such as energy, finance, defense, and aerospace, having withstood the test of practice."
He paused, displayed several processed network topology diagrams and key performance data, then continued: "A single tree does not make a forest. The Dragon Nation has always advocated for building a community with a shared future for mankind. We deeply recognize that a divided, insecure global network environment is not in the interest of any country. Therefore, we propose, and are willing to cooperate on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, and mutual respect with all partners genuinely committed to maintaining peace and security in cyberspace, to jointly research, discuss, and establish new global standards for future quantum communication technology and security!"
"Simultaneously," the spokesperson spoke again, introducing even more enticing substantive content, "as a first step in building trust, we are willing to open the 'Mozi Network' international access service to friendly nations, providing top-tier secure communication guarantees that cannot be eavesdropped on or attacked."
The declaration was like pouring a ladle of cold water into a pot of boiling oil—it exploded completely!
Within the Dragon Nation, the cheers of the citizens were almost loud enough to lift the roof! From the 'Golden Crow' energy project to the 'Mozi' communication network, a sense of pride—"our motherland has truly become powerful"—surged in everyone's chest.
Inside the 'Polar Bear' embassy, the ambassador received urgent instructions from their homeland almost simultaneously with the press conference: "Spare no effort, secure an access agreement with the Dragon Nation at the earliest possible moment!"
At the European Union headquarters, representatives from various countries were arguing like a pot of porridge. Pro-Dragon and pro-Pretty factions were locked in dispute, but the temptation of "accessing the quantum network" acted like a giant magnet, drawing everyone's gaze.
Nations like Neon and Goryeo were plunged into immense anxiety and indecision. On one side was pressure from their traditional ally, Pretty Country; on the other was a broad road leading to absolute security and future technology. The choice was excruciatingly difficult.
Meanwhile, in a laboratory at NASA in California, Dr. Green also caught snippets of the press conference through a backup monitor that had barely restored basic broadcast signal reception.
When she heard the terms "quantum communication," "absolute security," and "new global standards," her last shred of hope was utterly shattered.
She finally understood that the Dragon Nation's previous network "silence" wasn't merely defensive—it was a calm switch to a new track! While Pretty Country was still struggling to patch up the old world based on silicon and classical cryptography, the Dragon Nation had already used the 'Mozi Network' to construct a new world based on quantum rules—a world whose door they couldn't even find!
"Standards... they've already started setting standards..." Dr. Green murmured blankly. The coffee cup in her hand slipped, shattering on the floor. Brown liquid splattered all over her trousers, but she didn't even notice.
This meant that in the future information age, the rules would be written by the Dragon Nation. Those who were once leaders, if they couldn't keep up, would be left behind forever, without even the qualification to participate in the game.
The generational gap in technology had ultimately evolved into a crushing dominance in rule-making authority. This despair was deeper, more thorough, than mere network paralysis.
At the press conference venue, the Dragon Nation's spokesperson concluded: "Cyberspace should not become a battlefield for nations to wrestle, nor a tool for hegemony. We look forward to working together with all parties to jointly build a safer, more stable, and prosperous quantum information age."
As the words fell, thunderous applause filled the hall. This applause held reverence for powerful technology, yearning for future opportunities, and a certain tacit acceptance of the collapse of old hegemonies and the establishment of a new order.
A new era, upon the wails and ruins of the old order, was unveiled by the Dragon Nation's own hands. And the starting point of it all originated from that young man named Lin Mo, hidden within the 'Candle Dragon' safe house.