Xi Jinping’s chief of staff hosted dozens of Chinese academics and scientists in Beidaihe on Sunday
State media reports said the attendees were experts from hi-tech industries, as well as young talent engaged in fundamental research and scholars of philosophy and the social sciences.
Where China’s top leaders discreetly go in summer: a brief history of Beidaihe
Cai, who ranks fifth in the ruling Communist Party hierarchy, is a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and director of the party’s general office. His appearance indicates that the senior Chinese leadership has started its unofficial annual retreat to Beidaihe, a seaside town 300km (186 miles) east of Beijing.
In recent years, the leaders’ August break has lasted around 10 to 14 days. During this time, top political leaders have a reduced public presence in China, although they appear when urgent matters, such as natural disasters, arise.
