by Xinhua writers Zhao Jiasong, Yu Aicen
LONDON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's growing technological strengths are changing the way Western countries approach industrial cooperation with the country, creating new opportunities for investment and technology partnerships, former British business secretary Vince Cable said in a recent interview with Xinhua.
Cable, also an economist, expressed optimism about China's economic prospects and highlighted opportunities for China-Britain cooperation in green technologies and medicine.
"When people from Western countries went to China 30, 40 years ago, China insisted on a transfer of technology into their supply chains," Cable said. "Now China is so well ahead on so many technological areas" that Western countries are increasingly looking to attract Chinese investment and technological expertise.
Cable said the transformation reflects China's remarkable technological progress over recent decades.
Asked about China's economic outlook, Cable said, "I am optimistic," while acknowledging that the country is facing economic challenges.
He welcomed China's ongoing efforts to stimulate economic activity, particularly measures to develop new quality productive forces, which he said are providing alternative sources of demand.
Looking ahead, Cable identified green technology and medicine as two particularly promising areas for China-Britain cooperation. Green technology encompasses solutions to climate change, including cleaner and more efficient energy, batteries and electric vehicles, while medicine is an area where "both countries have strong public health systems and considerable innovation in bioscience," he said.
Cable noted that China has the capacity to conduct large-scale clinical trials and is making progress in developing new drugs, while Britain has considerable expertise in medical research and pharmaceuticals.
"The two countries have complementary strengths that could support closer collaboration," he said.
When it comes to Chinese-made electric vehicles, Cable said Britain and Europe should "take advantage of Chinese advances in electric vehicles" by encouraging Chinese manufacturers to invest locally, transfer technology and support domestic supply chains.
Cable served as Britain's secretary of state for business, innovation and skills from 2010 to 2015 under former Prime Minister David Cameron, and visited China several times.
His engagement with China dates back to the 1990s, when he worked as chief economist for energy company Shell and was involved in planning related to the company's investment in south China's Guangdong Province.
Cable has also become an active user of the Chinese social media platform Rednote, attracting around 180,000 followers.
His interactions with Chinese internet users have given him fresh insights into the country, particularly the openness and curiosity of younger generations.
"A pleasant surprise to find people so open to discussion," he said, highlighting their curiosity and willingness to engage in conversation.
At a time of growing geopolitical divisions, Cable believes personal connections, academic exchanges and direct dialogue can help countries maintain mutual understanding.
He hopes his own engagement with China will encourage more people in Britain to ask a simple question: "Why can't we have good relations with China?" ■
