Who Is Cai Qi, Xi Jinping’s Right-Hand Man, Coming To India For BRICS Summit?

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit India for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, his first trip to the country in seven years.

Xi is expected to be accompanied by senior Chinese officials, including Cai Qi, one of the most powerful figures in the Communist Party of China and a close confidant of Xi. The Times of India has reported that Cai is part of Xi’s 67-member government delegation, along with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Who Is Cai Qi?

Cai Qi, 70, is the fifth-ranking member of the seven-member Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He is also the first-ranking member of the CPC Secretariat and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, a key administrative and coordination

body at the heart of the Party leadership.

Reuters describes Cai as Xi Jinping’s “de facto chief of staff” and one of his closest confidants. His influence was further strengthened in June 2026 when he was appointed head of the CPC Central Party School and the National Academy of Governance, adding another major institutional role to his existing positions.

Why Is Cai Called Xi Jinping’s ‘Right-Hand Man’?

Cai’s influence comes not only from his rank but also from his position as director of the CPC Central Committee’s General Office. The office handles key administrative and coordination functions for the Party leadership.

Reuters has described Cai as Xi’s “de facto chief of staff”, noting that his responsibilities and proximity to Xi make him one of the most powerful officials in China. He has also frequently accompanied Xi on overseas trips and major diplomatic engagements.

Cai’s political relationship with Xi also has roots in their overlapping careers in Fujian and Zhejiang. Analysts have long identified him as a close political ally of Xi, although his influence today rests primarily on his formal positions within the Party leadership.

Cai Qi’s Role In Xi’s India Visit

According to The Times of India, Xi is expected to travel to New Delhi with a 67-member government delegation that includes Cai Qi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Cai’s presence would place one of the most influential figures in Xi’s inner circle alongside the Chinese president during the BRICS summit.

Xi’s visit comes at a sensitive point in India-China relations. The two countries have taken steps towards easing tensions since the 2020 border clash, but differences remain over the boundary, trade, investment and other issues.

Reuters reported that Xi’s visit is aimed at advancing the diplomatic thaw, even as significant mistrust and economic barriers remain.

The BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13 will therefore provide an important setting for engagement between the two countries. Xi is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit.