Jinan Military Region
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.