Who is Cai Qi, Xi Jinping's trusted aide, visiting India?
What's the story
Cai Qi, the second-most powerful leader in China and a close aide to President Xi Jinping, is visiting India for the first time. His presence at the BRICS Summit highlights China's efforts to improve ties with India after recent border conflicts. Cai, who is a member of the Communist Party's Politburo Standing Committee, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi have been more visible lately.
Political ascent
Cai's rapid political ascent
Cai's political career has been nothing short of meteoric. He was promoted to the Politburo in 2017 and became the Communist Party chief of Beijing.
By 2022, he was part of China's top decision-making body, the seven-man Politburo Standing Committee.
This year, he was appointed head of the Communist Party's central ideology school and heads the party's General Office.
Image shift
From 'Uncle Cai' to Xi's trusted lieutenant
Cai was once popular on Weibo as "Uncle Cai," but after taking a key central party position in 2014, he deleted his account and adopted a tougher governance approach.
He is now deeply involved in decision-making, policy implementation, cybersecurity policy oversight, and is a deputy head of the National Security Commission.
Julian Gewirtz of the Biden administration noted that "the ability to speak on behalf of Xi is the rarest commodity in China," which Cai possesses.
Personal bond
Personal bond between Xi and Cai
Cai was also the person to shake Donald Trump's hand when the US president visited China, a notable symbol.
Cai and Xi share a similar background as worker-peasant-soldier students during the Cultural Revolution.
They worked together for over two decades in Fujian and Zhejiang, where their friendship blossomed.
This close personal bond has contributed to Cai's rise as one of Xi's most trusted lieutenants.
Diplomatic gesture
Implications of Cai's visit to India
Cai's first visit to India comes as a sign of Beijing's willingness to improve ties with Delhi.
The visit comes ahead of Xi's expected five-year term extension next year, which would extend his rule into the 2030s.
As China seeks to deepen its relationship with India, all eyes will be on Cai during this important diplomatic engagement.