The rapid expansion of Chinese diplomatic links to African countries and the corresponding growing presence of Chinese companies and traders since the turn of the century have also been very visible in Namibia. While the bilateral relations between the two governments are making references to an ‘all-weather friendship’, the Chinese engagement is perceived less enthusiastically among the local population and often viewed with reservations if not outright suspicion and rejection, at times bordering to xenophobic behaviour and actions. Sino-Namibian relations can, subject to the eyes of the beholder, be classified as a matter of solidarity or xenophobia (Dobler 2008a). This dichotomy is reinforced by a political culture which tends to discourage “public debate on sensitive matters”, which “extends to the different perceptions about China’s presence in Namibia from various sectors in society” (Amadhila 2013: 74). The Namibian case is only one among several examples indicative of contrasting perceptions between government and citizens within the same country as regards the role of China.