The US government needs to prioritize funding for quantum research, or else China may surpass the US, threatening US economic competitiveness and national security, said Microsoft (MSFT.US) President Brad Smith.While most people still believe the US is in the lead, Smith emphasized that it cannot be ruled out that China may have already caught up with the US. The US cannot afford to fall behind, or even lose entirely, in this race.Related NewsUS Treasury Secretary: Onus To Be on CN to Eliminate Tariffs; Tariffs May Cost CN 10M JobsSmith called on the US government to increase funding for quantum research, renew the National Quantum Initiative Act, expand a program by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for testing quantum computers, and speed up the immigration process for Ph.D.s with quantum skills. He also urged the government to buy more quantum-related phone parts to build a US supply chain.(Real-time Streaming US Stocks Quote; Except All OTC quotes are at least 15 minutes delayed.)