China has removed General Zhao Zongqi from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and two other positions. The former commander of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Western Theatre Command was in charge during the 2017 Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with India. The move comes amid President Xi Jinping’s sweeping crackdown on corruption in the Chinese military.
Who Is Zhao Zongqi?
Born in 1955 in Heilongjiang province, Zhao joined the PLA at the age of 16. He fought on China’s western front during the 1979 China-Vietnam War and subsequently held several senior military positions. He served in the Tibet Military Region and commanded the PLA’s 13th and 14th Group Armies. He later became commander of the Jinan Military Region before being promoted to the rank of general in 2015.
First Commander of Western Theatre Command
In 2016, Zhao became the first commander of the Western Theatre Command, created as part of China’s military reforms. The command oversees China’s western strategic frontier, including operations along the disputed border with India. He remained in the post until December 2020.
Zhao’s Role in Doklam and Galwan
Zhao was Western Theatre commander during the 72-day Doklam standoff in 2017, when Indian and Chinese troops faced off near the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction. He was also in command when tensions escalated along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh in 2020, culminating in the deadly Galwan Valley clash on June 15.
Why Was Zhao Removed?
China has not publicly disclosed the specific reason for Zhao’s removal. The decision comes amid an intensifying anti-corruption campaign targeting senior PLA figures. Just days earlier, China removed two senior generals, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, from the state Central Military Commission over investigations into alleged serious violations of discipline and law. Zhao’s removal therefore adds another high-profile name to the continuing shake-up of China’s military leadership.
Also Read: NIA Special Court Sentences Key Accused in Bengaluru Al-hind ISIS Terror Conspiracy Case
Shamshad Ali is a New Delhi–based journalist with over six years of experience spanning breaking news writing, on-the-ground reporting, and editing. When he isn’t chasing headlines, Shamshad is usually exploring new destinations, discovering hidden culinary gems, and striking up conversations with strangers. Many of whom turn out to be great sources, and even better friends. He can be reached at shamshadali.dar@gmail.com.
The post Who Is Zhao Zongqi, Chinese General Linked To Doklam Standoff, Galwan Tensions Removed By President Xi Jinping appeared first on NewsX.