Chinese general Zhang Xudong who stepped down as head of Western Theatre Command in June dies aged 58
- Zhang, who was replaced as head of the country’s biggest military theatre, had been suffering from cancer and gastrointestinal problems, military sources say
- His replacement, Xu Qiling, stepped down after just two months and is also said to be in poor health amid a spate of illnesses among commanders and troops
General Zhang Xudong was replaced as head of the Western Theatre Command after just six months as part of a series of leadership changes. Zhang had been suffering from cancer and problems with his gastrointestinal tract before his death on October 1, according to two military sources.
In June he stepped down without any reason being given to be replaced by General Xu Qiling, previously head of the Eastern Theatre Command.
“Zhang and Xu were rising stars in the military as President Xi Jinping seemed to think highly of them,” said a military source who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.
Zhang was given a role on the CMC’s Strategic Planning Committee, but it is not known what Xu’s current role is.
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