A scientific and objective presentation of the 1979 border war is essential to counter distortions and prevent history from being used as a tool for political provocation.

Vietnam’s centuries-long fight against foreign aggression

Vietnam's history is deeply intertwined with its struggle against foreign invasions. The country is situated in a geopolitically strategic region, where cultural exchanges and population migrations have shaped its identity. Notably, the northern frontier has long been in contact with the Han people, whose early civilization significantly influenced neighboring societies.

Archaeological discoveries reveal an unusual phenomenon: from prehistoric to early historical times, a large proportion of artifacts found at Vietnamese sites are weapons. This suggests that from the dawn of history, the Vietnamese people were compelled to take up arms to defend their homeland. This reality is reflected in folklore, such as the legend of Saint Giong, a child warrior who grew into a giant to repel invaders.

Historians generally agree that Vietnam’s early state formation was driven not only by the need for agricultural organization but also by the imperative to resist foreign aggression. This struggle fostered a strong national unity, shaping the collective identity of the Vietnamese people.

Vietnam’s history is unique in that after achieving statehood, its independence was swiftly lost to foreign domination. For over a thousand years, the country was ruled and subjected to intense assimilation efforts by successive Chinese dynasties. In most cases, such prolonged foreign rule would erase a nation's distinct identity and extinguish its desire for independence.

Yet Vietnam defied this pattern. After 1,117 years under Chinese rule, the country regained independence in 938. The enduring resistance against Chinese domination forged a resilient spirit, nurturing a deep-rooted commitment to national sovereignty.

From that moment until the 1979 border war, Vietnam had fought more than a dozen wars to protect its sovereignty, including seven major invasions from the north.

The 1979 war in Vietnam’s history of resisting invasion

Setting aside political sensitivities and examining the 1979 border war objectively, it becomes clear that this conflict was no different from previous foreign invasions that Vietnam had endured for centuries. In fact, it was among the largest in scale, involving 600,000 Chinese troops attacking along the entire 1,300 km border. Chinese forces seized several provincial capitals, including Lao Cai, Cao Bang, and Lang Son, as well as numerous towns and districts.

As in previous invasions, China justified its attack with accusations against Vietnam, claiming that Hanoi had expansionist ambitions and had violated Chinese territory. Beijing framed its offensive as a "self-defense counterattack" aimed at "teaching Vietnam a lesson." The timing of the invasion was carefully chosen - Vietnam was still grappling with the aftermath of the war against the United States and the intervention in Cambodia.

Despite China's overwhelming numerical and firepower advantage, its forces suffered massive casualties. On March 5, 1979, when Vietnam issued a national mobilization order, China abruptly announced its withdrawal. In line with Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of leniency toward defeated invaders, the planned large-scale counteroffensive was halted, allowing Chinese forces to retreat.

Chinese troops during the 1979 war, like earlier invading forces, committed atrocities against Vietnamese civilians. Along their path and in occupied areas, they massacred civilians, primarily women and children, leaving behind widespread destruction.

Although the conflict lasted only a few weeks, its impact was profound. The war served as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and national defense, reinforcing Vietnam’s historical narrative of resilience against foreign aggression.

How should Vietnam and China address this chapter of history?

For nearly half a century, both Vietnam and China have avoided open discussions about the 1979 war. China's reluctance is understandable given the outcome of the conflict.

Vietnam, on the other hand, has chosen not to highlight the war in official histories, school textbooks, or commemorations - likely an effort to maintain stable relations with China, especially following the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1991.

However, 46 years is a long time - long enough for both nations to reflect on the war from a scholarly and diplomatic perspective. Regardless of political considerations, there is no denying that China’s invasion inflicted severe losses on Vietnam, making it a significant historical event that deserves its rightful place in national history, education, and public discourse.

The challenge for both historians and policymakers is how to address this sensitive issue appropriately. The idea of “closing the past to focus on the future” should not mean erasing history.

Ignoring the past entirely is not a solution - it risks distorting historical truths and leaving room for manipulation. At the same time, exaggerating or exploiting history for political motives is equally damaging. The most responsible approach is to acknowledge the facts scientifically and objectively, ensuring that history serves as a foundation for education, awareness, and national unity rather than division.

The 1979 border war is a scar on Vietnam-China relations, often described as a deep chasm between the two nations. Some suggest burying the memory of this war, but doing so would only create further historical and political complications.

A more effective approach is not to widen the divide, but to acknowledge and learn from it. If both nations can build a bridge over this historical rift, they can still see its lessons from above, ensuring that history does not repeat itself.

Vu Minh Giang
Professor, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences