Former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr has highlighted that China's rapid advancements in cutting-edge technologies have given it a significant competitive edge, leaving Western nations in awe and positioning Beijing to take a leading role on the global stage. In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Carr shared his insights into China's technological advantages and expressed confidence in the country's economic recovery and investment potential. "I think the onus is on China to demonstrate to Western investors that China is investable and welcomes foreign investment. Xi Jinping has sent a powerful message to his own private sector with his recent conference with entrepreneurs. I think China has got a golden opportunity with the Greater Bay Area—a very ambitious network that embraces Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macao, and other cities—when it comes to infrastructure, technology, tourism, and advanced manufacturing," he said. China is a vital trade partner for Australia, with its markets absorbing significant volumes of Australian exports, including beef, lobsters, and wine. In February, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of a strong relationship, stating that it is in the interest of both nations to be "great friends." The Australian government is committed to stabilizing ties and fostering cooperation, a stance now shared by even the country's conservative opposition, which has come to advocate for improved relations with China. "Well, the government talks about stabilization of the relationship, but I think the bigger change has been on the conservative side of Australian politics. We've got the people who came close to demonizing China when the conservatives were in the last government under Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Today, (they) are now talking about doubling trade with China and improving the relationship, saying that they stand for a good bilateral relationship between Australia and China. Now, this has been a complete turnaround," said Carr. Carr observed that China's rapid advancements in cutting-edge technology across multiple sectors have left the West stunned and propelled it to a highly competitive position globally. "China's role in the global recovery is most striking when it comes to cutting-edge technology. China is a startup nation. Now, this is a shock to the West, but the Chinese system has demonstrated that, by one means or another and certainly includes very strong government support, it can rival the West in technology. Now, this has been most dramatically illustrated when it comes to artificial intelligence, and clean, green energy as well," he said. Shotlist: Sydney, Australia - Recent: FILE: Beijing, China - Date Unknown 1. Aerial shots of Tian'anmen Rostrum, Chinese national flag, ornamental column; Sydney, Australia - Recent 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Bob Carr, Former Australian Foreign Minister (ending with shots 3-6): "I think the onus is on China to demonstrate to Western investors that China is investable and welcomes foreign investment. Xi Jinping has sent a powerful message to his own private sector with his recent conference with entrepreneurs. I think China has got a golden opportunity with the Greater Bay Area—a very ambitious network that embraces Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macao, and other cities—when it comes to infrastructure, technology, tourism, and advanced manufacturing."; FILE: Beijing, China - Date Unknown 3. Great Hall of People, Chinese national emblem; 4. National flag of China; FILE: China - Exact Location and Date Unknown 5. Aerial shot of cranes, ships at port; 6. Various of employee, machines, materials in factories; FILE: Sydney, Australia - Nov 22, 2019 7. National flag of Australia; 8. Coat of arms of Australia; Sydney, Australia - Recent 9. SOUNDBITE (English) Bob Carr, Former Australian Foreign Minister (starting with shots 7-8/ending with shots 10-13): "Well, the government talks about stabilization of the relationship, but I think the bigger change has been on the conservative side of Australian politics. We've got the people who came close to demonizing China when the conservatives were in the last government under Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Today, (they) are now talking about doubling trade with China and improving the relationship, saying that they stand for a good bilateral relationship between Australia and China. Now, this has been a complete turnaround."; FILE: Australia - Date Unknown 10. Various of street views, pedestrians; FILE: Zhejiang Province, east China - Date Unknown 11. Customs officers at port; 12. Trucks going through OCR portal; FILE: China - Exact Location and Date Unknown 13. Aerial shots of port; Sydney, Australia - Recent 14. SOUNDBITE (English) Bob Carr, Former Australian Foreign Minister (starting with shot 13/ending with shot 15): "China's role in the global recovery is most striking when it comes to cutting-edge technology. China is a startup nation. Now, this is a shock to the West, but the Chinese system has demonstrated that, by one means or another and certainly includes very strong government support, it can rival the West in technology. Now, this has been most dramatically illustrated when it comes to artificial intelligence, and clean, green energy as well."; FILE: China - Exact Location and Date Unknown 15. Various of employees working; machines in operation in factories. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]