Cai Qi, a long-time Chinese politician, is increasingly visible on the international stage and is considered one of President Xi Jinping’s closest allies. Having worked under Xi in the coastal provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang, Cai gained national attention in 2012 by advocating for robust cybersecurity legislation, framing the internet as a critical domain for maintaining power. This stance marked a shift from his earlier support for online transparency. His career progressed rapidly, leading to appointments as deputy director of the national security commission and later as the leader of Beijing, where he oversaw the Winter Olympics and the city’s pandemic response. Experts note his success in implementing politically sensitive, though unpopular, policies in Beijing, demonstrating loyalty to Xi. In 2022, Cai was appointed to the Politburo Standing Committee, solidifying his position as a key figure in Chinese leadership.