New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit along with two of the most influential figures in his political and foreign policy established— Cai Qi and Wang Yi.
The arrival of these two men along with Jinping, who is visiting India after 7 years, indicates that Beijing is cautiously working towards improving the bilateral relations with New Delhi. But who are these two men? Cai is a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee.
According to media reports, Cai is one of Xi’s closest confidants. Wang is China’s foreign minister. He has been at the centre of Beijing’s foreign policy for over a decade.
Cai and Jinping have longstanding ties. Their relation dates back to their overlapping careers in the provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang. Cai rose to power in the Communist Party in 2017 as he joined the Politburo.
Wang Yi is one of China’s longest-serving foreign ministers. The New York Times has described him as the “campaigner” for Xi Jinping’s “global ambitions.”
Jinping’s convoy images go viral
Vehicles from his official convoy were transported under heavy black covers before the Chinese leader himself arrived in New Delhi. The images of the vehicle, under black cover, went viral on internet as people were curious to witness such a sight on the Delhi Roads.
According to reports, the vehicle in which he travels is the Hongqi N701, the highly secretive, heavily armoured limousine.
Official vehicles during overseas visits are often covered to ensure protection, logistics and security. Presidential cars are often shipped separately. They reach the host country before the visiting leader.
The Chinese premiere is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit.
Informing about the Chinese premiere’s visit, the country’s ambassador to India Xu Feihong had posted on X: “China will work with India to act on the strategic guidance of the two leaders, handle the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, step up communication, enhance cooperation, properly handle differences, and be friends enjoying good-neighborliness and partners helping each other succeed.”