Xi's purge hits PLA General who ordered Galwan ops to 'teach India a lesson'

General Zhao Zongqi, the former head of the People's Liberation Army’s (PLA) Western Theatre Command, has been removed from key political positions in China, marking another step in President Xi Jinping’s ongoing purge of high-ranking military officials. The move comes as part of a broader anti-corruption campaign that has led to the removal of several senior officers over the past decade. Zhao, who oversaw major border confrontations with India in 2017 and 2020, was stripped of his membership in the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and relieved of two other roles. His removal followed the simultaneous dismissal of two other senior generals, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, from the Central Military Commission (CMC). The Western Theatre Command, under Zhao’s leadership, controlled military operations across Tibet, Xinjiang, and along the majority of China’s border with India. This region is critical for strategic control, particularly given the frequent tensions with neighboring countries. In 2017, Zhao commanded the Western Theatre during the 72-day Doklam standoff, a tense military confrontation between Chinese and Indian forces near the India-Bhutan-China trijunction. The situation escalated further in 2020, leading to the deadly Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh, where at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed. While China initially reported only four PLA casualties, subsequent investigations suggested that the number of Chinese fatalities was significantly higher, with estimates reaching up to 38. According to reports from India Today and the Associated News Agency (ANI), Zhao authorized the Galwan operation with the stated intent of “teaching India a lesson.” These claims were supported by a U.S. intelligence assessment cited by ANI in 2020. The operation resulted in a severe escalation of hostilities, raising concerns about the potential for wider conflict. Zhao’s role in these incidents has drawn scrutiny, with India Today noting his responsibility for China’s handling of the Doklam standoff in 2017. The report highlighted his influence over China’s military posture toward India during that period. Zhao’s removal from the CPPCC’s Standing Committee occurred on August 26, as reported by state-run media outlets such as Xinhua and People’s Daily. The decision was made without explanation or mention of any formal investigation. His tenure as deputy director of the ethnic and religious affairs committee was also terminated. The lack of transparency surrounding his removal has fueled speculation that he is among the latest figures targeted in Xi’s sweeping anti-corruption drive. This campaign, initiated in 2012, has seen numerous high-ranking officials investigated, removed, or expelled from the party. The purge has intensified in recent months, with Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli also facing disciplinary actions. Both were removed from the CMC on August 28, reducing the number of active members on the body to just two, including Xi himself. This dramatic shift underscores the centralization of power under Xi and the increasing pressure on the military leadership to align with his vision for national security and governance. The purges reflect a broader effort to consolidate authority and ensure loyalty within the PLA, while also addressing perceived inefficiencies or misconduct. Zhao’s career highlights include his appointment as the first commander of the reorganized Western Theatre Command in February 2016. His leadership during the Doklam and Galwan conflicts positioned him as a key figure in shaping China’s military strategy toward India. Despite the controversies surrounding his decisions, Zhao’s removal appears to signal a growing emphasis on accountability and discipline within the PLA. As the purge continues, observers anticipate further changes in the military hierarchy, potentially reshaping the landscape of China’s defense policy and international relations.