In 1979, the valleys and rivers along the Sino-Vietnamese border witnessed an unprecedented military conflict. That year, shortly after Vietnam's defeat of French colonization and U.S. military intervention, its government turned away from its former ally, China, sought support from the Soviet Union, and began to invade Cambodia to challenge the regional balance. In order to stop Vietnam's expansionist behavior and protect its national security, the Chinese government decided to launch a self-defense counterattack against Vietnam. The war was not only a military confrontation, but also a political and ideological clash between two once close allies.
In February 1979, the spring breeze failed to melt the bitter cold along the border, and the mountains of southern China were shrouded in the smoke of war. In this military operation, which was named the "self-defense counterattack war", a division commander named Bian Guixiang became a key figure.
Bian Guixiang, a veteran of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the War of Liberation, has been the commander of the 163rd Division for nearly 9 years at this time. In his eyes, he not only has the firmness of military orders, but also has a deep understanding of the cruel reality of war. At a meeting of officers before the war, he said in a deep voice: "Our enemies are brothers of the past, enemies of the present. We must be both stern and tactful. ”
On February 17, the 163rd Division, under the command of Bian Guixiang, set out from the Friendship Pass in Guangxi and headed for the Dong Dang Fortress in Vietnam. It was a tough battle, and the Vietnamese army had shown their determination and preparedness by laying mines and obstacles around the fort.
Bian Guixiang deployed tactics in detail: "The 487th Regiment is responsible for the frontal breakthrough, the 488th Regiment is detouring from the flank, and the 489th Regiment is carrying out cover and attack. His voice echoed in the conference room, as if he had seen the smoke of the battlefield.
The battle began, and the Chinese army advanced with a thunderous force. Under the careful strategy of Bian Guixiang, the 163rd Division overcame many difficulties and successfully broke through the first line of defense of the Vietnamese army. On the way over the blown up bridge and avoiding landmines, the soldiers showed unparalleled courage and perseverance.
The real test lies in the post-war process. The brutality of the war turned many Vietnamese soldiers into prisoners. The top orders demanded the release of the captives, but Bian Guixiang had his own opinion. At a post-war summary meeting, he said firmly: "To release them is to send them back to become our enemies again." I can't let my soldiers face these same muzzles again. ”
This decision caused no small amount of controversy. But Bian Guixiang's determination never wavered, and he even said: "I would rather be dismissed and imprisoned, but I will also ensure the safety of my soldiers." This spirit of determination and sacrifice deeply touched his subordinates.
With the end of the war, Bian Guixiang's decision was finally accepted by his superiors. His treatment of his captives, while harsh, also avoided possible more casualties. The war left behind a brief period of tranquility and long-lasting scars on the territory, and Bian Guixiang retired from the army shortly after the war due to illness, ending his decades-long military career.
Bian Guixiang's story is a heroic military tragedy, and it is also a profound discussion of loyalty and responsibility. On the battlefield of gunpowder, every decision can be the dividing line between life and death. Bian Guixiang chose the path that was most beneficial to his soldiers, although it was fraught with controversy and sacrifice. His story reminds us that history is not just woven by big events, but also by those who make difficult choices at critical moments. When judging the rights and wrongs of a decision, we should not forget the burdens and choices of those leaders who stood in the torrent of history and tried to guide their destiny with their own strength. Bian Guixiang's choice is not only a tactical consideration, but also a deep reflection and questioning of war and human nature.