regarding border demarcations along the LAC, combined with recent infrastructure construction on both sides, led to multiple clashes, an ongoing standoff, and military buildups along the shared border. In response to a skirmish in June 2020 between PRC and Indian patrols in Galwan Valley, the most violent clash between the two countries in 45 years, the Western Theater Command implemented a large-scale mobilization and deployment of PLA forces along the LAC. Commander-level negotiations meant to reduce tensions continued in December 2022 with the 17th round of talks. The Western Theater Command’s deployments along the LAC will likely continue through 2023.
2022 Western Theater Command Leadership
Commander—General Wang Haijiang [汪海江]
Previous position: Commander, Xinjiang Military District
DOB: July 1963
Age: 59
Birthplace: Anyue County, Ziyang, Sichuan Province
Education: Unknown
Political Commissar—General Li Fengbiao [李凤彪]
Previous position: Commander, Strategic Support Force
DOB: October 1959
Age: 63
Birthplace: Anxin County, Baoding, Hebei Province
Education: Xinyang Army Infantry School; received a Master’s degree in strategic studies from National Defense University
Chief of Staff—Major General Li Zhonglin [李中林]
Previous position: Commander, 71st Group Army, Eastern Theater Command Army
DOB: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Birthplace: Unknown
Education: Unknown
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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China
