Although France will remain Cameroon's main foreign backer, the latter will seek closer ties with other countries that are interested in its natural resources, which include oil, timber, metals and diamonds. A recent high-level visit by Chinese officials reinforced the two nations' ties, and the Chinese government will continue to invest in Cameroon's infrastructure in exchange for mining deals. The US ambassador has also indicated that the US is interested in investing more in the country-perhaps as a challenge to China's presence in the region-and that it is concerned about rising maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.