Zhao Zongqi
Zhao Zongqi is a general of the People's Liberation Army of China and the current Commanding Officer of the Western Theater Command.
Zhao was born in Bin County, Heilongjiang province. In his earlier year he was the deputy chief of staff of the Tibet Military District. In August 1999, he was promoted to chief of staff of the Tibet Military District, then deputy commanding officer of the Chongqing Mobilization District. In October 2004, he was named commander of the 14th Group Army. In September 2007, he was transferred to the 13th Group Army as commander. In December 2007, he was named chief of staff of the general staff of the Jinan Military Region. In November 2012 he was named commander of the Jinan Military Region. On July 31, 2015, he was promoted to the rank of general. On February 1, 2016, he was named commander of the re-organized Western Theater Command.
Zhao is a member of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
In June 2020 he ordered and orchestrated the Galwan Valley border skirmish where 35 PLA soldiers and 20 Indian soldiers were killed.
