# Xi’s Gang of Three

> Xi Jinping relies on two lieutenants to balance power in China’s leadership.
- Title: Xi’s Gang of Three · Foreign Policy | Shortify
- Summary: Xi Jinping relies on two lieutenants to balance power in China’s leadership. Xi Jinping depends on Li Qiang and Cai Qi to manage party and government affairs…
- Keywords: xi jinping, li qiang, cai qi, chinese communist party, politburo standing committee, state council, central party school, party affairs, government affairs, political power, power balance, xi era
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/21/china-li-qiang-cai-xi-jinping
- Author: Deng Yuwen
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: xi jinping, li qiang, cai qi, chinese communist party, politburo standing committee, state council, central party school, party affairs, government affairs, political power, power balance, xi era
## Rumors of leadership succession
Rumors claim Premier Li Qiang will replace Xi Jinping as party general secretary at the Fifth Plenum.
## Previous successor rumors
Before last year’s Fourth Plenum, Cai Qi was rumored to be Xi Jinping’s successor.
## Rumors are unfounded
Neither Li Qiang nor Cai Qi are credible successors to Xi Jinping.
## Power dynamics in Chinese politics
Xi Jinping relies heavily on two lieutenants to sustain his rule through elite politics.
## Zhou Enlai’s political insight
Zhou Enlai advised that understanding central politics requires navigating relationships among key figures.
## Historical comparison
Mao Zedong, Lin Biao, and Jiang Qing formed a triangle during the Cultural Revolution.
## Xi’s current power structure
Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, and Cai Qi form a triangle where Xi holds supreme authority.
## Li Qiang’s role
Li Qiang serves as premier of the State Council and ranks second in the party hierarchy.
## Cai Qi’s role
Cai Qi oversees the Secretariat and General Office, ranking fifth in the party hierarchy.
## Party vs. government priorities
The party takes precedence over the government in Xi’s hierarchy of priorities.
## Cai Qi’s party responsibilities
Cai Qi coordinates party affairs but cannot monopolize power within the party apparatus.
## Li Qiang’s economic role
Li Qiang manages economic affairs amid China’s real estate crisis and weak domestic demand.
## Retirement timelines
Li Qiang will pass 68 in three months, while Cai Qi will be four years over the retirement threshold.
## Next party congress
Next year’s 21st Party Congress will test whether the power balance between Li and Cai endures.
## Future of the power structure
Xi Jinping may deepen reliance on Li Qiang to manage complex economic challenges.
## Key takeaway

Xi Jinping depends on Li Qiang and Cai Qi to manage party and government affairs without direct conflict.