Le patrimoine culturel des relations sino-camerounaises : état des lieux, enjeux et perspectives. 1971-2021

China-Cameroon relations are a remarkable feature of Cameroon’s international life today. The heritage of this relationship since its formalization in 1971 bears witness to the quality and vitality of this partnership. In cultural terms, the fruitfulness of the China-Cameroon relationship is equalled only by the importance of culture in an increasingly globalized world system, and in the expression of the balance of power between the world’s states. From the outset of its relations with Cameroon, the People’s Republic of China has pursued a cultural policy that has gradually evolved into a cultural offensive, a strategy of relatively appreciated charm operations. The purpose of this article is to examine the cultural heritage of relation between China and Cameroon, questioning its content and the issues at stake. Using a qualitative method grafted onto that of the historical sciences, which promotes the collection, analysis and interpretation of sources, this realistic reflection notes the immensity of the cultural heritage of China-Cameroon relations at linguistic, artistic, academic and health levels. In addition, the work certifies that this cultural heritage is more at the service of Chinese soft power, warns against a possible recolonization of Africa and calls for the imperative preservation of African identity.