How the global financial crisis affects China has implications that extend well beyond its own borders. This article examines the impact of the crisis on China and considers how this might affect China's relations with low income economies, particularly in Africa. The crisis provides an opportunity for China to extend its economic and political interests in Africa and to secure access to resources at a time when other countries are under greater economic stress. Beyond the immediate impacts of the crisis, therefore, a subtle power shift may be underway in relation to Africa. African leaders need to find ways to use this to their advantage in managing relations with both China and the ‘traditional’ donors.