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
1968
1970
1972
1974
1976
1978
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
Sino-Vietnamese War
