When China and Vietnam Went to War: Four Lessons for History

June 21, 2016 Topic: Security Region: ChinaVietnam Tags: WarMilitaryDefenseHistoryChina Military

When China and Vietnam Went to War: Four Lessons for History

Beijing and Hanoi have tangled before.

With tension rising in the South China Sea and the U.S. arms restrictions dialling back, the Sino-Vietnamese War deserves another look.

Matthew Pennekamp is a resident junior fellow at the Center for the National Interest.

Image: “A Romanian T-55 Tank sends a blast downrange as it takes part in a live-fire exercise during Platinum Lynx 16-4 aboard Babadag Training Area, Romania, April 21, 2016. The purpose behind Platinum Lynx is to improve readiness and increase Marines’ ability to work seamlessly with other NATO and partner nations around the world. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Immanuel M. Johnson/Released)”