Sino-Vietnamese War

February 17 – March 16, 1979 · Sino-Vietnamese border

Result Status quo ante bellum, both sides claim victory

China launched a surprise invasion of northern Vietnam in February 1979, in response to Vietnam's invasion and occupation of Cambodia, which had ended Khmer Rouge rule. The month-long conflict ended with China's withdrawal in March after it declared its punitive mission accomplished; Vietnam held Cambodia until 1989, and full diplomatic relations returned in 1991.

People's Republic of China

Vietnam

Other

Strength and losses

People's Republic of China Killed c. 13,000

Strength
70,000–100,000

Vietnam Killed c. 8,000

Killed
c. 21,000

Related events 1 degree away • 2 degrees away

1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
 
 
Sino-Vietnamese War