Images of the Northern border in February 1979

45 years have passed, looking back at the heroic images of the battle to protect the northern border in the provinces of Ha Tuyen, Hoang Lien Son, Cao Bang, Lang Son, once again affirms the historical truth and the justice of the Vietnamese people.

On February 17, 1979, China mobilized more than 600,000 troops to launch a surprise, simultaneous, all-out attack along the entire northern border, stretching over 1,000km from Quang Ninh to Lai Chau. The attack was divided into two wings, one from Quang Ninh to Cao Bang and the other from Cao Bang to Lai Chau. In the photo, Bang Giang bridge and part of the center of Cao Bang town were destroyed by the enemy. Photo: Nguyen Tran/VNA.

Before that attack, a forced war of our army and people to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintain the borders of the Fatherland began on February 17, 1979 and lasted until mid-1989. Photo: VNA.

The fierce attacks of the enemy and the brave sacrifices of our army and people, typically at the Vi Xuyen front (Ha Giang) in the years 1984 - 1986. In the photo, our troops march to the northern front, February 1979. Photo: Nhat Truong/VNA

Mr. Luc Van Vinh and his five children in Na Long village, Ngoc Khe commune, Trung Khanh district (Cao Bang province) joined the armed forces in the fight to protect the northern border. Photo: Ta Hai/VNA.

In the photo, a fire team of Regiment 567 (under the Cao Bang Provincial Military Command) ambushed and destroyed the Chinese troops attacking Cao Bang Town (now Cao Bang City) in February 1979. Photo: Tran Manh Thuong/VNA

On February 19, 1979, enemy tanks were destroyed by Cao Bang soldiers and people at the Thanh Son hill front, Na Toang area. Photo: Manh Thuong/VNA

Houses and streets in Pho Bang town, Dong Van district, Ha Tuyen province (now Ha Giang) were destroyed by enemy artillery on March 8 and 9, 1979. Photo: Ngoc Quan/VNA.

Lang Son Front Command and the commander of Group 327 discuss combat plans at Chua Tien cave, Lang Son town. Photo: Van Bao/VNA

Female self-defense soldiers of Ban Phiet Forestry Farm, Muong Khuong District, Hoang Lien Son Province (now Lao Cai Province) held their ground and fought, coordinating with local troops to repel many enemy attacks. Photo: Nguyen Tran/VNA.

A soldier holding a B41 gun facing the invaders, next to the Lang Son milestone 0, a symbol of the battle to protect the northern border in 1979. Photo: VNA.

Tra Linh town, Cao Bang province was destroyed by the enemy. Photo: Si Chau/VNA

Soldiers of Company 3, Battalion 1, Group H54 of local troops of Hoang Lien Son province bravely held the post, destroying hundreds of enemies on February 17, 1979. Photo: Nguyen Tran/VNA

Signalman Pham Van Do, Company 18, Ha Tuyen Medical Corps, bravely performed his duty, ensuring smooth communication lines for combat. He was awarded the Third Class Military Exploit Medal. Photo: Minh Loc/VNA.

Reporter Isao Takano (wearing glasses) of the Akahata newspaper - Japan went to report in Lang Son town in the early days of the war. He sacrificed his life at noon on March 7, 1979, at the beginning of Quang Trung street, Chi Lang, Lang Son. Photo: Minh Dao/VNA.

Engineers of Company 3, Battalion 15, Song Hong Group, remove mines and repair the road to clear traffic on National Highway 1A, Lang Son town to Dong Dang, February 17, 1979. Photo: Ha Viet/VNA

A doctor treats a student of Quyet Tien Secondary School, Quan Ba District, Ha Tuyen Province, who was hit by shrapnel while playing. Photo: Hua Kiem/VNA

Firepower team members of Squad 2, Tay Son Regiment, bravely attacked and destroyed enemy tanks at night. Photo: Minh Dien/VNA.

Battalion 2, Group H54 of Hoang Lien Son local troops bravely held positions on heights 391 and 393 in Muong Khuong district, killing thousands of enemies. Photo: Nguyen Tran/VNA