  Quantum Annealing has proven to be a powerful tool to tackle several
optimization problems. However, its performance is severely impacted by the
limited connectivity of the underlying quantum hardware, compromising the
quantum speedup. In this work, we present a novel approach to address these
issues, by describing a method to implement non-local couplings throught the
lens of Local Operations and Classical Communcations (LOCC). Non-local
couplings are very versatile, harnessing the configurability of distributed
quantum networks, which in turn lead to great enhancement of the physical
connectivity of the underlying hardware. Furthermore, the realization of
non-local couplings between distinct quantum annealing processors activates the
scalability potential of distributed systems, i.e. allowing for a distributed
quantum annealing system. Finally, in a more distant vision, we also show that
secure multi-party quantum annealing algorithms are possible, allowing for
cooperation of distrusting parties through optimization with quantum annealing
and a particular type of non-local couplings.
