Zhao was a controversial figure who was criticized for his role in the censorship of the Bingdian column of the Youth League's flagship newspaper, and for a massive project he undertook in Caofeidian that ended in failure.
During his stint as the top official of Tangshan, Zhao devoted his energy into massive development of the Caofeidian area of the city, trumpeting it as the "number one project in the province."
[5] On September 25, 2013, Zhao appeared on the China Central Television (CCTV) program Point as part of a democratic life meeting held by the provincial CCP leadership.
At the meeting, Hebei CCP chief Zhou Benshun said, "Comrade Zhao Yong is a self-starter and is confident and enthusiastic, but he often does things in haste, and is too concerned about the scale and superficial showiness of his projects; this can lead to a departure from reality.
"[6] After Ling Jihua was removed from office on corruption charges, Zhao, who was commonly associated with the Communist Youth League, was interviewed by the media about his thoughts on the matter.
"[7] Zhao was relieved of his duties as Hebei CCP committee secretary in October 2016 without the phrase lingyou renyong (roughly, "has been transferred to another assignment") included in the announcement, prompting speculation about his fate.