Although France will remain Cameroon's main foreign backer, the country will seek closer ties with other countries that are interested in its natural resources, which include oil, timber, metals and diamonds. Chinese demand for raw materials will remain strong, and China will continue to try to secure interests in Cameroon's oil, mining and forestry sectors, as well as contributing to infrastructure projects. The US ambassador has also made several recent statements indicating that the US is interested in investing in the country, perhaps as a challenge to China's presence in the region.