New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in India for the BRICS Summit accompanied by one of Beijing’s most influential leaders, Cai Qi. Often described as Xi’s right-hand man, Cai is widely regarded as China’s second-most powerful leader.
Xi’s decision to bring Cai Qi to India highlights the importance Beijing attaches to the visit. It is Xi’s first trip to India in nearly seven years and comes amid efforts to improve ties after the deadly border clashes between the two countries.
Cai, 70, is a member of the seven-member Politburo Standing Committee, China’s highest political decision-making body. He also heads the Communist Party’s General Office, effectively serving as Xi’s chief of staff. Earlier this year, he was appointed head of the party’s central ideology school.
His rise through the Communist Party has been unusually fast. In 2017, he was promoted directly to the Politburo after becoming Beijing’s party chief. Five years later, he entered the powerful Standing Committee.
Cai’s relationship with Xi goes back decades. Both began their careers during the Cultural Revolution and worked in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces for more than 20 years. Their long association helped build a strong political relationship.
Once known online as “Uncle Cai”, he was earlier active on Weibo and interacted with ordinary citizens. His public image changed after he moved into senior party positions and adopted a tougher governing style.
Today, Cai plays a major role in policy implementation, cybersecurity and national security. His presence in India therefore carries significance as Beijing looks to strengthen ties with New Delhi.