When people mention Vietnam, China's neighbor, they may think of the verdant rice paddies, the bustling streets of Hanoi, or the turbulent history of wars.

Since the end of the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979, 42 years have passed, and Vietnam seems to have become much "quieter" after this brief conflict.

What is the reason behind this? Is it really because our military took something "important" from them during the war?

History is always full of twists and turns. China and Vietnam once fought side by side, but also experienced confrontations with swords and spears.

In 1950, when China and Vietnam formally established diplomatic relations, who could have predicted the war that would break out more than two decades later? However, the vagaries of international relations often surpass people's imagination.

Vietnam, a small country in Southeast Asia, has gradually emerged after experiencing colonial invasion, the anti-French struggle, and the Vietnam War.

Its enhanced military power, coupled with the support of the Soviet Union, made Vietnam a regional power for a period of time.

As the ancients said:When one becomes full, one becomes damaged; when one is modest, one benefits. After Vietnam became powerful, its ambition also expanded, and it attempted to dominate Southeast Asia and even harbored ulterior motives for China's territory.

The expansion of this ambition was not without precedent. At that time, the international environment, the rivalry between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, provided Vietnam with external support and opportunities.

China was also facing external pressure during this period due to its deteriorating relations with the Soviet Union.

In this complex international context, Vietnam began a series of expansionist actions, including creating border conflicts with China to erode China's territory.

As a major country with a long history and culture, China has always valued peace and stability. Faced with provocations from Vietnam, China opted for self-defense and counterattack.

On February 17, 1979, the Chinese People's Liberation Army launched a self-defense counterattack against Vietnam. Although the war only lasted about a month, it dealt a heavy blow to Vietnam.

So what "important thing" did our army take away from Vietnam in that war? The answer is—ambition.

The war made Vietnam realize its own limitations and inadequacies, and it also made it clear that it was unwise to make an enemy of a great power like China.

Since then, Vietnam has begun to adjust its foreign policy and its relationship with China has gradually returned to normal.

Nowadays, China-Vietnam relationship is no longer the situation of tensions and confrontation. The two countries have increasingly close exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and culture.

In addition to the changing international situation, this transformation could not have been achieved without the concerted efforts and wisdom of the people of both countries.