Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

History

Supervisor

James A. Flath

Abstract

Abstract

This thesis explores the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979 and its extended conflicts through the 1980s, focusing on the forgotten narratives and marginalized experiences of the war's veterans. It aims to uncover why this victory has been intentionally omitted from China's official historical narrative and to highlight the veterans' ongoing struggles in a rapidly transforming society.

This research combines oral histories, extensive fieldwork, and a review of both Chinese and non-Chinese scholarly works. By integrating diverse sources, the thesis challenges the official narrative and emphasizes the need for a more inclusive historical memory that acknowledges the sacrifices and experiences of these veterans, highlighting the complexities of historical memory and the politics of memory in China, where the legitimacy of the CCP's rule is deeply rooted in its historical narrative.

Keywords: Sino-Vietnamese War, Indochina, veterans, historical memory, China, nationalism, ideological shifts, Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Hua Guofeng, Cultural Revolution, Three Supports, Two Militaries.

Summary for Lay Audience

Summary for Lay Audience

This thesis explores the often-overlooked Sino-Vietnamese War and its lasting impact on Chinese veterans. The war, which began in 1979, was a brief but intense conflict between China and Vietnam. Although it lasted only 28 days, subsequent battles continued throughout the 1980s, making it a prolonged and complex period of tension.

This research aims to understand why this war, despite its significance, has been largely forgotten in official Chinese history. The study combines primary and secondary sources with personal interviews with veterans to provide a comprehensive picture of the war's impact and the struggles faced by those who served.

The research highlights several key issues:

  1. Historical Memory: One of the main focuses is why the Chinese government has downplayed or ignored this war in its official history. The thesis argues that the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) legitimacy relies heavily on a selective historical narrative that avoids acknowledging the complexities and failures of the past.
  2. Political Context: The study delves into the political dynamics between China and Vietnam and the broader international context involving Laos, Cambodia, the United States, and the Soviet Union. This geopolitical background helps explain the motivations behind the conflict.
  3. Veterans' Experiences: By collecting oral histories, the thesis gives voice to the veterans, revealing their personal stories, struggles, and the emotional toll of the war. Their narratives differ significantly from the official history presented by the Chinese government.
  4. Impact on Veterans: The thesis also examines the long-term effects on veterans, including inadequate resettlement policies and the ongoing struggle for recognition and support. These veterans often feel marginalized and forgotten by the country they serve.

Download

Share

COinS