Why Did China Attack Vietnam on the South China Sea* in 1974 and 1988?

Abstract

It can be observed that external factors played an important role in China's growth into a present-day power. Both cold war super powers showed such an extent of tolerance forwards China during the 1970-80s that Beijing succeeded in projecting its power without any recognizable opposition. Therefore, China's decisions to attack Vietnam were logica! actions in the framework of its grand strategy, using favorable conditions to establish greater territory in Asia. Beijing's 'historical' claim over the south China sea might continue to be a controversial topic, yet evidence shows that China, in terms of military presence, has laid the cornerstone for imperialistic expansion since the cold war with some help from external factors.