[4] The same year, Cao Kang gained playing experience in an off-season friendly in a 4–0 loss as he faced Russian side CSKA Moscow.
[5] In 2016, after Jiangsu's Chinese FA Cup win in 2015, Cao Kang was included in the club's 2016 AFC Champions League squad.
[11] On 1 July 2022, Cao Kang scored Heilongjiang Ice City's second goal in a 3–1 win over Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard.
[13] On 23 January 2023, Cao Kang signed for newly-promoted Chinese Super League side Nantong Zhiyun.
[17] Cao Kang has been described by Nantong Zhiyun as having great aggressiveness and pressing, bringing defensive cover, and being capable of contributing on both sides of the pitch.