Chinese presidential ally named new acting mayor of Beijing

A deputy director of the Communist Party’s Central National Security Commission was appointed as the acting mayor of Beijing on Monday, according to mainland media reports.

The appointment of Cai Qi was announced by Beijing party chief Guo Jinlong, Beijing Daily reported, confirming a South China Morning Post report about Cai’s move on Sunday.

“Cai has strong political sensitivity and is loyal to the party,” Guo was quoted as saying.

Guo praised Cai for having a broad range of experience, including his term on the commission, a body founded in 2013 and chaired by President Xi Jinping.

The report was the first official confirmation of Cai’s role at the commission.