Zhang Guotao , a rival in the Politburo , was sent with his army in 1936 on a hopeless mission into the Gobi desert .
Mao is alleged to have exposed men under his command to unnecessary suffering just to eliminate his opponents .
Zhang Guotao , a rival in the Politburo , was sent with Mao 's army in 1936 on a hopeless mission into the Gobi desert .
Mao is alleged to have exposed men under his command to unnecessary suffering just to eliminate his opponents .