Biden’s secretary of commerce is the most recent member of the Cabinet to travel to China in an effort to enhance relations.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is the most recent member of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet to travel to China in an effort to repair the strained relationship between the world’s two biggest economies. She assures that she will adopt a practical approach while still upholding the United States’ commitment to responsibly handling the economic partnership.

Raimondo intends to schedule meetings with Chinese officials and American business leaders in Beijing and Shanghai with the aim of encouraging fair competition that adheres to established rules.

“I am also highly practical and have a realistic understanding of the difficulties. And these difficulties are substantial,” she informed journalists prior to departing from Washington on Saturday for a journey that concludes on Wednesday.

The secretary expressed her desire to identify “practical and specific measures that can advance our business partnership,” although she provided limited information. One topic that will be addressed is the promotion of Chinese travel and tourism to the United States. Raimondo highlighted the recent relaxation of restrictions on large Chinese groups visiting the U.S.

Raimondo’s visit, similar to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s trip in July, aims to demonstrate the administration’s readiness to collaborate with China in terms of economic growth. This comes at a time when tensions are rising in foreign policy and national security, while Washington strengthens its alliances with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the European Union.

In June, Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing for a duration of two days, marking the most significant discussions held in China within the last five years. During his visit, Blinken engaged in a meeting with President Xi Jinping, where they reached a consensus on the need to establish a stable relationship between the United States and China. However, they were unable to come to an agreement regarding improved communication between their respective military forces.

There are divisions around the economy, too, particularly after the imposition of U.S. foreign investment controls that have stung numerous Chinese companies. China has accused the U.S. of “using the cover of ‘risk reduction’ to carry out ‘decoupling and chain-breaking,’” and has increased its own trade in Asia.

The controls pertain to advanced computer chips, microelectronics, quantum information technologies and artificial intelligence. The U.S. says the effort stemmed from national security goals rather than economic interests, and that the categories covered were intentionally narrow.

The U.S. moves are meant to blunt China’s ability to use American investments in its technology companies to upgrade its military, while preserving broader levels of trade that are vital to both nations. But China’s Ministry of Commerce said it has “serious concern” about Biden’s executive order.

Raimondo stated that the United States did not aim to restrict or limit China’s economic progress.

“We desire the prosperity of the Chinese economy. Our intention is not to restrict or impede China,” she stated. “However, safeguarding our national security is imperative, and we will employ our export controls to the maximum extent feasible in order to achieve that.”

“I cannot reword.”

“The economic relationship between the U.S. and China is substantial, constantly evolving, and experiencing growth,” stated Raimondo. “It is crucial for both our nations, as well as the global community, that we handle this relationship with responsibility.”

Raimondo expressed her desire for a consistent business partnership, emphasizing the importance of ongoing communication.

Raimondo stated that if there is a lack of communication, it becomes difficult to resolve issues in any relationship. This absence of communication leads to increasing tensions and a downward spiral towards a negative outcome.

Raimondo’s visit to China was extended as an invitation from Minister Wang Wentao, according to the Ministry of Commerce. When questioned about Raimondo’s trip, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the China Foreign Ministry, stated during a news conference on Friday that China and the US are communicating regarding bilateral interaction and cooperation.

At a recent fundraiser in Utah for his campaign to be reelected, Biden expressed concerns about China, referring to it as a “potential threat in the making.”

“The president expressed concern over the issues China is facing, stating that it is worrisome as it may lead to negative actions by individuals with malicious intentions.”

Raimondo said she spoke with Biden before leaving for China and that he asked her to convey the message that there’s “benefit to communicating to reduce tensions.”

“I do not intend to compromise,” stated Raimondo, emphasizing, “I will not hold back, but my approach will be pragmatic.”

The commerce secretary said she spoke before her trip with top U.S. labor leaders and more than 100 industry executives who are anxious to do business with China but were “increasingly concerned” by the country’s nonmarket practices, which makes competing for global business difficult.

Raimondo stated that it is widely acknowledged that China has not fulfilled its commitments regarding economic reforms. She further emphasized that China consistently engages in non-market trade and investment practices, which compels the United States to protect its businesses and workers.