Xi Jinping's Power Lies In The Hands Of Two People

They're even called successors.

Chinese President Xi Jinping relies on his two closest allies—Premier Li Qiang and Party Secretariat Secretary Cai Qi. The former is responsible for government operations and the economy, while the latter coordinates the day-to-day activities of the Communist Party of China. At the same time, Xi does not allow either of them to concentrate too much power in their hands, retaining decisive control over the state and the party, writes Foreign Policy .

Ahead of the Fifth Plenum of the CPC Central Committee, rumors have surfaced about possible personnel changes. Li Qiang was even named as a likely successor to Xi, and a year earlier, similar speculations circulated about Cai Qi. However, these theories are considered unfounded.

“He needs close aides,” writes columnist Deng Yuwen. Even a leader who has concentrated enormous power in his own hands cannot personally manage the entire state apparatus.

Cai Qi is constantly at Xi’s side and heads the apparatus of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. However, personnel appointments, the fight against corruption, and issues of security and ideology also fall under the purview of other trusted aides to the President of the People’s Republic of China. This prevents Cai from turning the party apparatus into his own stronghold of influence.

Li Qiang, for his part, has a more independent administrative body at his disposal—the State Council. Against the backdrop of the real estate market crisis, local government debt, and weak domestic demand, Xi needs effective economic management, not just political loyalty.

The next test of this system is expected at the CPC Congress in 2027. By that time, both colleagues will be over 68 years old. At that age, party officials typically retire. Li has a better chance of retaining his seat in the top leadership, while Cai may move to another position, such as heading a party school or becoming the country’s vice president.

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