Can you please define 'win-win?'

Chinese officials constantly refer to their relations with African states as "win-win," implying some sort of profound reciprocity and mutual (economic, social) benefit (another favored catch phrase). While some Chinese firms in Africa certainly do serve to benefit the local economies, particularly insofar as infrastructure and (limited) employment are concerned, the catch is that they are in Africa. You don't hear much about African firms in China or an influx of African goods into the Chinese market, save with few exceptions (i.e. most recently Ugandan coffee).

It appears that times are growing to be even more difficult for African entrepreneurs seeking to make a profit in China. The most recent hurdle is a visa crackdown imposed by the Chinese government which has not only rendered doing business complicated, but has brought Guangzhou's Chocolate City - China's largest African population - to a breaking point:

The country’s faltering economy is putting the squeeze on “Little Africa,” or “Chocolate City,” as locals call it. Numbers are down and business is suffering. All-important visas are being denied or granted only for the short term. Africans who allow their visas to expire — and many do — are often imprisoned and forced to pay a hefty fine.

In January, the Chinese government announced a crackdown on foreigners living illegally in Guangzhou, and, according to interviews with more than two dozen Africans working in the city, the community is facing increased persecution at the hands of police.

Wonderful. So while Chinese entrepreneurs make money in Africa, Africans must seemingly bend over backwards and jump countless hurdles to do the same in China. Win-win? Really?