As the world looks ahead to the 2026 BRICS summit in New Delhi, China’s President Xi Jinping is not the only Chinese leader at the center of the world’s attention.
But Cai Qi the top Communist Party official in his party and one of Xi’s closest and most trusted friends, is one of the most powerful figures in his circles.
Cai Qi is in the seven-member Politburo Standing Committee, one of the highest decision-making bodies of China’s Communist Party.
He is also in charge of the Communist Party’s General Office, which at the country’s highest politics level puts him at the centre of the political process.
Who Is Cai Qi
Cai Qi was born on December 5, 1955 in Fujian Province. He began his political career in Fujian before getting into a number of important positions in Zhejiang.
His career developed on Xi Jinping’s political path, especially in Fujian and in Zhejiang. This long association has been cited as one reason for Cai’s close relationship with Xi.
Cai had various high-level administrative positions in Hangzhou and as executive vice governor of Zhejiang over the years. Political ascent took him to Beijing where he became Communist Party secretary of the city in 2017.
Cai was involved in the preparation of Beijing’s 2022 Winter Olympics, one of the largest international events China has hosted in recent years.
Why Is Cai Qi Considered Close to Xi
Cai’s political relationship with Xi Jinping dates back decades. Their overlapping careers in Fujian and Zhejiang established a relationship that continued with both men moving to more senior positions.
Cai’s elevation to the Politburo Standing Committee in 2022 elevated his role within China’s leadership.
His role as the Director of the General Office of the Communist Party is particularly important. The office coordinates important party affairs and manages work at the highest level, so Cai has extensive access to Xi and the top leaders.
He has also accompanied Xi on significant domestic and international visits in the past, and is one of the President’s most trusted officials.
Cai Qi’s Growing Political Influence
Cai has expanded his work as he went on. He has been involved with everything from Communist Party administration, ideology and political coordination.
In 2026 he was also appointed the head of the Central Party School, another important job. Political education and training in the Communist Party is carried out at the school.
Cai has been more prominent in China’s political system of late because of the growing number of responsibilities he has taken on.
Why Cai Qi Matters at the BRICS Summit
The BRICS Summit in New Delhi is a big one for India and China relations. So the visit by President Xi is very important for China-India relations because China-India relations are very much in the picture of the larger BRICS group.
While Xi is still the main Chinese figure at the summit, knowing the officials around him gives a clearer picture of how China’s leadership functions.
Cai Qi is particularly important as he is close to Xi and is involved in the coordination of the Communist Party at the highest level.
Cai’s role at the BRICS Summit is a window into the deep-seated inner circle around Xi Jinping and the people who help manage China’s political machinery.
