The China Challenge: Cameroonians Between Discontent and Popular Admiration

Abstract

Cameroon’s relationship with China has been studied from the perspective of the cooperation between the two countries and the development projects that resulted from this collaboration. This chapter examines the interaction between Chinese and Cameroonian traders and businesspeople, the organisation of their trade, and the strategies that the different traders develop to make a living. It evaluates the experiences of Cameroonians with the Chinese presence in their country and the advantages and disadvantages that the growing number of Chinese projects and migrants entails for Cameroonians. Based on field research in Cameroon and in China, this chapter argues that the cooperation with China and the high competition in the domain of trade provides short-term benefits and opportunities for Cameroonians but might entail insurmountable challenges for consumers and businesspeople in the long run.