China Removes General Zhao Zongqi From Top Advisory Body

General Zhao Zongqi, the former Western Theatre Command chief of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), has been removed from China's top political advisory body. This decision comes after Zhao led the PLA during the 2017 Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan clash with India.

Zhao was reportedly the officer who authorised the Galwan operation, aiming to 'teach India a lesson.' The Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) stripped Zhao of his membership and relieved him of two other posts.

China has not provided an explanation for Zhao's removal or announced any probe against him. The move is being viewed as part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's years-long purge of the PLA. This action comes just weeks ahead of Xi Jinping's likely visit to India to participate in the Brics Summit in New Delhi.

General Zhao Zongqi headed the PLA's Western Theatre Command from 2016 to 2020. He was appointed its first commander when the theatre was established as part of the PLA's military reforms in 2016. His responsibilities included overseeing the entire disputed India-China border along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

In 2020, he officially handed over command to General Zhang Xudong after reaching the standard retirement age. Earlier, senior generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli were also removed from the state Central Military Commission.

The removal of General Zhao Zongqi is seen as a significant development in China's military leadership. It is part of a broader effort by President Xi Jinping to consolidate power and reshape the PLA.

The timing of this decision is notable, coming just before Xi Jinping's visit to India. The Brics Summit in New Delhi is expected to be an important diplomatic event, and this move may have implications for India-China relations.

The Doklam standoff and the Galwan clash were major incidents in recent India-China relations. The removal of General Zhao Zongqi may be seen as an attempt to signal a shift in China's approach to its relations with India.

However, the lack of explanation for Zhao's removal has raised questions about the motivations behind this decision. It remains to be seen how this development will impact China's relations with India and the broader region.

In the context of China's military reforms and President Xi Jinping's efforts to consolidate power, the removal of General Zhao Zongqi is a significant development. It reflects the ongoing changes in China's military leadership and the country's approach to its relations with India and other nations.

The implications of this decision will be closely watched in the coming weeks and months. As China and India prepare for the Brics Summit, the removal of General Zhao Zongqi may be seen as an attempt to signal a new approach to their relations. However, the lack of transparency and explanation for this decision has raised questions about China's intentions and the future of India-China relations.

In conclusion, the removal of General Zhao Zongqi from China's top advisory body is a significant development in China's military leadership. It reflects the ongoing changes in China's approach to its relations with India and the broader region. The implications of this decision will be closely watched in the coming weeks and months, and it remains to be seen how this development will impact China's relations with India and the world.