U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton came to Hong Kong this week and left in hurry.

To allay Asian markets half way though the day's trading session, she spoke a bit about the US debt ceiling crisis,. But some say the fact she spent so little time in Hong Kong speaks volumes about this city's decreasing importance in the face of China's opening up to the world.

After a quick flurry of handshakes and a luncheon speech, off she went to Shenzhen. Not even enough time for an egg tart or a tailor's sitting.

Just another Chinese city?

ALEX HOFFORD : HONG KONG CHINA HILLARY CLINATON PHOTOGRAPHER