Xi Jinping Removes Gen Zhao Zongqi, Who Ordered ‘Galwan Operation’ Against India

China's Xi Jinping government has removed General Zhao Zongqi, who held a senior position as a political adviser. Zhao had come into the spotlight while commanding the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Western Theater Command during the Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with India.

The PLA's Western Theater Command oversees China's military operations in Tibet and Xinjiang, as well as a large part of its border with India. The development was reported on August 29, citing Reuters. Earlier reports had alleged that Zhao had approved the Galwan operation to “teach India a lesson”.

Zhao has been stripped of his membership of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and removed from two other positions.

During Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign, China had earlier removed two other senior generals, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, from the Central Military Commission over serious violations of discipline and law.

In 2017, Chinese and Indian troops remained locked in a 72-day standoff in Doklam while Zhao was commanding the Western Theater.

He was also in charge when tensions escalated in eastern Ladakh in May 2020, leading to the deadly Galwan Valley clash the following month.

ANI, citing a US intelligence assessment in 2020, had reported that Zhao approved the Galwan operation to teach India a lesson.

The confrontation in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020 during Zhao's tenure. The PLA subsequently deployed troops at several points along the Line of Actual Control.

On June 15, Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Galwan Valley using stones, rods and improvised weapons. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the clash.

General Zhao Zongqi was removed from a senior political adviser role. He was stripped of his Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference membership and two other positions.

He commanded the PLA's Western Theater Command during the 2017 Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with India. Earlier reports alleged he approved the Galwan operation to

General Zhao Zongqi commanded the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Western Theater Command. This command oversees military operations in Tibet, Xinjiang, and a large part of China's border with India.

His removal from key positions was reported on August 29. He had been a political adviser and held other roles.

Sneha is a Senior Copy Editor at ABP Live English, covering national and global news, politics, and social developments. She approaches every story with clarity, accuracy, and a reader-focused perspective. She holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication from Central University of Jharkhand.