Brent Neiman visited Hong Kong on Thursday to discuss building ties between the worlds two largest economies. Neiman is the highest official to visit the country since 2019. This is unexpected as China and the U.S. have been challenging each other increasingly across the Pacific.

This visit comes in the middle of a floundering Chinese economy that is filled with soaring debt, low consumer purchasing, and a decreasing property market. Neiman will be talking to many different groups during his visit including government officials, economic experts, students, and other young professionals.

According to the Treasury Department, Neiman will still “stress the United State’s focus on securing and advancing our economic and national security interests, along with those of our allies and protecting human rights.”