For centuries the continent of Africa has been characterised by negative
images such as poverty, disease and conflicts. Today, however, the
People's Republic of China's growing presence in Africa, particularly
with regards to China-Africa business relations, brings new vitality to
the continent. This new movement is not a windfall but rather obtained
through the hard work of both African and Chinese people at various
levels. Narrating on daily experiences of Chinese merchants and their
vivid interactions with people in Botswana, this book decodes the
frustrating while rewarding process through which China-Africa relations
have been maturing on the grass-roots level. This book not only presents
insights and suggestions to both Botswana and Chinese policy makers
interested in understanding their constituents' everyday interactions
with each other, but also offers readers interested more broadly in
contemporary Chinese experiences in Africa a fascinating glimpse into
these cross-cultural encounters. This book is an original and pioneering
study of issues that resonate in almost every African country which has
responded to a growing Chinese presence. It argues that as the process
of globalisation permeates the everyday lives of people, each individual
is empowered to be an 'ambassador' in shaping international relations.
