Throughout history, dealings between neighboring countries were often complicated, being sometimes peaceful as siblings, and at other times rife with conflict.

As the wheel of history rolled into 1979, China and Vietnam, once allies, eventually became hostile parties with swords drawn, due to various contradictions and misjudgments.

Amid the escalating tensions, what actions did Vietnam take on the outbreak of the war?

It must be pointed out that the outbreak of this war did not happen out of thin air, but was instead paved by profound historical background and changes in the international political climate.

After the victorious Anti-American War, Vietnam gained a large number of US-made weapons and equipment, significantly enhancing its military prowess and boosting its confidence.

With the Soviet Union's backing, Vietnam began to expand its sphere of influence in the region, leading to a series of frictions and conflicts with China over border issues.

After repeated warnings and diplomatic negotiations failed to yield results, China decided to take self-defense countermeasures in order to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On February 17, 1979, the Sino-Vietnamese War officially broke out. It was undoubtedly a day of shock and panic for Vietnam.

With the bulk of the Vietnamese forces focused on the invasion of Cambodia to the south, the border with the north was left relatively undefended.

When the Chinese army was pressing on, Vietnam's first reaction was unbelievable. They did not expect China to act so decisively and attack so quickly.

On the first day of the war, many military officers in Vietnam were still in training. They hurriedly ended their training and went into combat, so their chaos and disorder can be imagined.

Even under these circumstances, the Vietnamese still showed some toughness. They declared publicly that they would surely defeat the Chinese army and even tried to transfer their main forces fighting in the south to reinforce the north.

This ostentation is largely intended to conceal its inner panic and unease.

However, the reality was cruel. When confronted with the People’s Liberation Army's fierce attack, the Vietnamese army soon showed that it was not capable of resisting the onslaught. With meticulous combat plans and superb military skills, the People’s Liberation Army quickly breached the Vietnamese army’s defensive lines and advanced into their depths.

On the first day of the war, the Vietnamese army suffered heavy losses not only in terms of military facilities being destroyed and soldiers being killed or wounded, but also in terms of their confidence being severely damaged.

The outcome of the war was self-evident. In a short period of time, China had achieved its expected strategic goals, severely damaging the military strength and economic foundation of Vietnam.

This war not only proclaimed to the world China's determination and strength to maintain its sovereignty, but also gave Vietnam a deep lesson in the serious consequences of provoking China's bottom line.

Looking back on this war, we cannot help but sigh with emotion. War is cruel and brings only pain and disaster to humanity.

Through this war, China has declared its determination and strength to the world:China will never be bullied. Whoever attempts to provoke it will bear the consequences. This is the attitude and determination China must display as a major and powerful country.