Chinese General Zhao Zongqi, who commanded the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Western Theatre Command during major border standoffs with India, has been removed from China's top political advisory body.

According to state-run news agency Xinhua, Zhao was expelled from the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) alongside two other posts. Beijing did not cite a reason for his removal or disclose any active investigation.

The decision coincides with Chinese President Xi Jinping's expanding purge across the PLA, which has targeted theatre commands, senior officers, defence universities, and weapons procurement divisions.

Key Military Changes: Xi recently removed senior officers Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the Central Military Commission (CMC). Commission Depletion: The dismissals leave only two active members remaining on the previously seven-member CMC, including Xi himself.

Zhao previously oversaw operations along China's borders with India as the head of the Western Theatre Command. His tenure encompassed both the 2017 Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which began in May 2020 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and led to the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers on June 15.

A 2020 report by news agency ANI, citing US intelligence sources, stated that Zhao authorised the Galwan operation to "teach India a lesson" and prevent China from appearing weak before the United States and its allies. Zhao was replaced as Western Theatre commander in December 2020 after reaching retirement age.