The researcher who shocked the world with claims that he was the first to genetically modify human embryos drew early support from Chinese government initiatives designed to build up the country’s nascent biotechnology industry.

Scientist He Jiankui, who said he edited the genes of twin girls to shield them from HIV, had participated in a program designed to capitalize on training Chinese nationals get at Western universities. Additionally, a company that He founded has received government funding. It isn’t known how much He’s experiments cost or how they were paid for.

While it isn’t uncommon for researchers to have ties to state programs in China, government officials have sought to distance themselves from He after widespread condemnation from other scientists.

A Chinese official said on Tuesday that the country prohibited gene editing for fertility purposes in 2003. In the U.S. and Europe, genetic editing of human embryos is barred.

The news arrived at a sensitive time in Chinese and U.S. relations, with President Donald Trump and China President Xi Jinping days away from a pivotal trade summit. China’s efforts to nurture homegrown innovation has chafed U.S. officials, who’ve warned against its talent-recruitment programs and other support for rivals to important engines of the U.S. economy.

The unfolding controversy over He’s research could heighten a battle for global technological dominance between the world’s two largest economies.

Related: Investigation Launched Into Baby DNA Editing Claims