That day, as people began a new day of work and life, every media outlet across the country—newspapers and radio stations alike—released the same piece of news.
The Vietnamese authorities had repeatedly provoked border incidents, seriously disrupting the daily lives and production activities of Chinese border residents. China had issued warnings again and again, yet Vietnam had turned a deaf ear and persisted in its course. Left with no choice, the Chinese government had been forced to launch a self-defensive counterattack along the border and punish Vietnam.
The People's Daily headline read: What can be tolerated, if this cannot?
Meanwhile, our forces had fought from midnight until dawn. Facing the Vietnamese army's stubborn defenses, they had stormed the positions at the cost of their lives, broken through the first and second defensive lines north of Xiaocao, pushed south as a whole, and wiped out the remaining enemy troops in the village.
At the same time, they supported our troops south of Xiaocao or attacked the Vietnamese troops stubbornly holding the high ground...
"Company Commander! I'll draw their fire from the front! You attack from the flank!"
Listening to Wang Yan, a soldier so covered in grime that his features could no longer be made out spoke with utter resolve.
"Isn't that just throwing your life away?"
Wang Yan waved a hand, then gestured to the people nearby. "Spread out a little. We've exposed our position. If they send a shell over in a minute, they'll wipe us all out in one go. Don't lose your heads in battle—we were taught this in training. Keep watch in all directions. Those Vietnamese monkeys in the village are running around like rats with their heads cut off. Don't let them sneak around behind us."
Ignoring them after that, Wang Yan smoked as he