Xi is in India with 2 powerful Chinese figures—who are Cai Qi and Wang Yi?

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for the 18th BRICS Summit, accompanied by two senior figures who play important roles in China's political and foreign-policy establishment — Cai Qi and Wang Yi.

Cai is a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and heads the General Office of the CPC Central Committee. Wang, China's foreign minister, has been a key figure in Beijing's foreign policy for more than a decade.

Their presence comes as Xi visits India for the first time in seven years, with New Delhi and Beijing seeking to stabilise relations following years of tensions. Xi is also expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit.

Cai Qi: Xi's close political ally

Cai Qi, 70, occupies a powerful position within China's ruling party and administrative structure. As director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, he oversees a key party apparatus and is closely involved in Xi's administration.

Reuters has described Cai as Xi's “de facto chief of staff” and one of the Chinese president's closest confidants.

Cai and Xi have known each other for decades, with their careers overlapping in Fujian and Zhejiang. His political rise accelerated in 2017, when he joined the Politburo as Xi began his second term as Communist Party leader.

In June this year, Cai was also appointed head of the CPC Central Party School and the National Academy of Governance.

Wang Yi: China's foreign policy veteran

Wang Yi has been one of China's most prominent foreign policy figures in recent years. He became foreign minister in 2013 and has remained central to Beijing's diplomatic engagement with other countries.

A 2022 New York Times article described Wang as the “campaigner" for Xi Jinping's “global ambitions”.

Wang currently serves as a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and minister of foreign affairs.

Born in Beijing in October 1953, Wang joined the Communist Party of China in May 1981. He is married and has a daughter.

With Cai handling a crucial part of Xi's political machinery and Wang leading China's diplomatic efforts, their presence in New Delhi highlights the importance Beijing attaches to Xi's India visit and the BRICS summit.