Cao Zhi, male, Han nationality, is a native of Anqiu, Shandong Province. He was born in 1928 and joined the Party in 1947.
Cao spent much of his career in Party leadership positions in the publicity departments of various local and provincial Party organizations in Heilongjiang Province. In 1960, he transferred to Heilongjiang Province, where he held various Party leadership positions. He later became vice-president of the Central Committee for Comprehensive Management of Public Security.
Cao was a member and deputy secretary-general of the 7th NPC Standing Committee. He also served as secretary-general of the 8th NPC Standing Committee. He was a delegate to 14th and 15th CPC National Congresses and vice-chairman of the 9th NPC Standing Committee.