GẠC MA
immortal circle
"The weakening of the Soviet Union created conditions for the United States to strengthen relations with China, while also increasing Vietnam-China tensions following the 1979 border war, leading to the 1988 Gac Ma ( Johnson South) Reef Incident."
I. Background
14.03
1988
"Engraving names
into the sea
Retaining full
sovereighty"
INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT
Opportunities from the global power shift
International context: opportunities from the global power shift
THE DECLINE OF THE SOVIET UNION
AND ITS IMPACT ON VIETNAM
Entering the late 1980s, the Soviet Union was in the midst of a severe economic and political crisis. Under the leadership of the Soviet Union’s 8th leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, the policies of Perestroika "Restructuring" and Glasnost "Openness" were implemented with the hope of reforming the Soviet Union’s economic and political systems. However, these reforms inadvertently weakened the central government's control, leading to economic exhaustion and diminishing the Soviet Union's influence over its allies.
According to historical documents, Soviet military and economic aid to Vietnam significantly decreased during this period. Specifically, the Soviet Union drastically cut supplies of oil, food, and financial support to Vietnam, creating substantial difficulties in maintaining military operations and economic development (CIA, 1988).
International context: opportunities from the global power shift
QUANTITATIVE COMPARISON CHART
SOVIET AID TO VIETNAM (1985 AND 1989)
(1985 AND
1989)
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
Oil
Food
Military aid
: 1985
: 1989
Oil:
1985: 2.0 million ton/year
1989: 1.0 million ton/year (50% decrease)
Food:
1985: 1.2 million ton
1989: 0.5 million ton (58% decrease)
Military aid:
1985: 1,5 billion USD
1989: 0,6 billion USD (60% decrease)
Furthermore, the weakening of the Soviet Union caused Vietnam to lose a critical strategic ally, forcing Hanoi to seek more autonomous solutions in defense and diplomacy. This situation posed significant challenges for Vietnam when facing Chinese aggressions in the East Vietnam Sea (Timo Kivimaki et al., 2002).
Two dirty-faced children look out of a window in a coal mining and steel production area in Siberia during a period of widespread economic hardship in the Soviet Union.
Russian citizens queue to buy scarce food, in November 1991, just a month before the Soviet superpower collapsed.
International context: opportunities from the global power shift
U.S. - CHINA RELATIONS AND THE
ADJUSTMENT OF U.S. POLICY IN ASIA
The United States during the Cold War.
Alongside the decline of the Soviet Union, changes in U.S.- China relations also played a crucial role in enabling China to advance its ambitions in the East Vietnam Sea.
After normalizing relations in 1979, the United States and China quickly became strategic partners within the context of the Cold War. For Washington, Beijing was an important player to curb Soviet influence in Asia. The U.S. strengthened military cooperation with China, including intelligence sharing and technological support in defense, aiming to bolster China’s role as a counterweight against the Soviet Union (Hamilton et al., 1999).
Cooperative Relations between the United States and China
International context: opportunities from the global power shift
During the 1980s, the administration of President Ronald Reagan continued to pursue a policy of enhancing cooperation with China, viewing it as a key element in the strategy against the Soviet bloc. The U.S. during this period adopted an approach of “prioritizing China over Southeast Asia,” which left Vietnam with virtually no hope of U.S. support in safeguarding its maritime sovereignty (Shambaugh, 2021).
Recognizing the US's indifference and the Soviet Union's weakening, China considered this an ideal time to expand its control in the East Vietnam Sea.
The Soviet Union's Withdrawal from Afghanistan (1988-1989)
China's Expanding Control in the East Vietnam Sea
Reports from the US Department of Defense indicate that in 1987-1988, China intensified military activities in the East Vietnam Sea, including conducting topographical surveys and deploying warships to seize control of key features (Office of the Secretary of Defense, 2007).
THIS WAS THE PRECURSOR TO THE GAC MA (JOHNSON SOUTH REEF) NAVAL BATTLE ON MARCH 14, 1988.
VIETNAM - CHINA RELATIONS BEFORE 1988:
Tensions leading up to the battle of Gạc Ma (1988)
Vietnam - China relations before 1988: Tensions leading up to the battle of Gạc Ma (1988)
THE 1979 BORDER WAR
AND ESCALATING TENSIONS
After defeating the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime at the end of 1978 and sending volunteer troops to Cambodia to help rebuild the country, Vietnam faced fierce opposition from China - a country that had been a close ally of the Khmer Rouge. In response to Vietnam’s actions, on February 17, 1979, China launched a border war, mobilizing over 600,000 troops to attack Vietnam’s northern border provinces.
The war lasted a month but left devastating consequences, with tens of thousands of people killed and many towns completely destroyed. According to documents from the Institute for Defense Strategic Studies of Vietnam, China employed a “quick strike, quick withdrawal” tactic but encountered strong resistance from the Vietnamese military and civilians. Although the fighting officially ended in March 1979, China continued to maintain pressure through shelling and sporadic conflicts throughout the 1980s (News, 2024). Alongside land-based conflicts, Beijing also intensified its efforts at sea, particularly in the Spratly Islands, where Vietnam was maintaining control over several key islands and reefs.
Vietnam - China relations before 1988: Tensions leading up to the battle of Gạc Ma (1988)
MEMOIRS OF A SOLDIER
Veteran PHẠM QUANG LUYỆN
Officer, 356th Division
"These were years of immense hardship, with relentless artillery fire day and night. Meals consisted of plain rice with salt, and warm clothing was shared in shifts during guard duty..."
"Referring to the war initiated by China as a 'border conflict' is a deceptive and misleading euphemism. In reality, it was a war of aggression."
Lieutenant General NGUYỄN QUỐC THƯỚC
Former Commander of Military Region 4
Vietnam - China relations before 1988: Tensions leading up to the battle of Gạc Ma (1988)
CHINA'S INCREASING PRESSURE IN THE EAST VIETNAM SEA
Before 1974, the Paracel Islands were under the control of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). However, taking advantage of the political turmoil in the South, China launched a military attack in January 1974, seizing the entire Paracel Islands from the South Vietnamese military (VŨ VIẾT TUÂN, 2017).
After gaining control of the Paracels, Beijing continued expanding its influence southward towards the Spratlys. By 1987, China began deploying a series of military maneuvers to increase its presence in the area, including sending warships to the Spratly Islands and conducting construction activities on the features it claimed sovereignty over.
China employed the "salami-slicing" tactic, gradually seizing smaller reefs to lay the groundwork for broader maritime control (Vũ Hiền, 2024).
Vietnam - China relations before 1988: Tensions leading up to the battle of Gạc Ma (1988)
In January 1988, Beijing sent warships to the area around Fiery Cross Reef and began building permanent structures. Faced with this situation, Vietnam was forced to dispatch engineering and naval forces to the Spratlys to protect its sovereignty. By February 1988, the Vietnamese People’s Navy deployed troops to several unoccupied reefs to prevent China’s expansionist moves (VnExpress, 2021).
Vietnam - China relations before 1988: Tensions leading up to the battle of Gạc Ma (1988)
CHINA'S STRATEGIC INTENT IN THE SPRATLY ISLANDS
The Spratly Islands hold not only a crucial military strategic position but also possess abundant oil and gas reserves. The East Vietnam Sea may contain up to 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, making this area a hotspot of contention among various nations (The U.S. Geological Survey, 2010).
Additionally, the Spratly Islands are located on one of the world's most important maritime routes, where approximately 30% of global trade passes. Control of this area helps China strengthen its influence on this strategic sea lane, while also creating conditions for Beijing to impose its illegal 'nine-dash line' claims in the East Vietnam Sea.
Vietnam - China relations before 1988: Tensions leading up to the battle of Gạc Ma (1988)
RISING TENSIONS BEFORE THE BATTLE OF GAC MA
By March 1988, the situation in the Spratlys had grown increasingly tense as both Vietnam and China sought to assert control over the disputed territories. According to research by the East Vietnam Sea Research Institute, by early March, China had sent more warships and naval forces to the area, preparing for a military confrontation if necessary (thanhnien.vn, 2022).
Facing the risk of losing sovereignty over strategic reefs, Vietnam dispatched ships HQ-604, HQ-505, and HQ-605 carrying engineers to the Spratlys to secure the features under its control. However, confronted by the superior naval forces of China, Vietnam found itself in a severely threatened position. This situation ultimately led to the tragic naval battle at Gac Ma on March 14, 1988 (Mỹ Hòa, 2025).
II. The forefront
Part 1
OVERVIEW OF THE SPARTLY ISLANDS
Video | [Gac Ma: Immortal Circle]: Overview of the Spratly Islands
GAC MA
CO LIN
LEN DAO
PART 2: MARITIME
ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF
THE THREE ISLANDS
"The Spratly Islands in general, and the three islands of Gac Ma, Co Lin, and Len Dao in particular, are not only significant in terms of national defense but also hold great economic value."
Source: (Trần et al., 2015), (TTXVN, 2017)
Marine resources
The area around these islands is rich in seafood, serving as an important fishing ground for Vietnamese fishermen. Protecting sovereignty also means safeguarding the legal fishing rights of the fishermen.
Oil and marine resources
The East Vietnam Sea is considered to have large oil and gas reserves, which are vital resources for Vietnam’s economic development.
Maritime support
These islands can be developed into fishery logistics stations, providing fuel, freshwater, and repair services for vessels operating in the area.
PART 3: STRATEGIC ROLE IN NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY
From a military standpoint, these three islands are essential for defending Vietnam’s maritime and island defense line. With their strategic positions, Co Lin and Len Dao act as strongholds to maintain Vietnam’s presence in the Western Spratly region. If these two islands are lost, the risk of expanded occupation by foreign forces would become more serious.
Furthermore, maintaining control over these islands provides Vietnam with a base to monitor maritime activities and protect critical trade routes passing through the East Vietnam Sea. Vietnam is also enhancing defensive measures on these islands to prevent destabilizing actions from external forces.
Safeguarding maritime national defense and island security (Tạp chí cộng sản, 2018)
PART 4
CURRENT CHALLENGES
China’s militarization activities are one of the most concerning challenges. Beijing continues to expand and militarize artificial islands in the Spratlys, increasing tensions and threatening regional security. According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan, an expert on the East Vietnam Sea, "China's deployment of radar, airstrips, and weapon systems on occupied features not only violates international law but also poses a long-term threat to maritime security."
Aside from human-related factors, harsh weather conditions are another major obstacle. The Spratly region frequently experiences severe storms, high waves, and seawater intrusion, making construction and maintenance of infrastructure extremely challenging. An engineer who once participated in construction there shared: "Transportation and construction costs in the Spratlys are many times higher than on the mainland, not to mention the risks posed by weather conditions."
Additionally, Vietnam is facing pressure from sovereignty violations. China not only militarizes occupied islands but also frequently deploys militia ships and coast guard vessels to pressure Vietnam’s island defenses and obstruct fishing activities. Dr. Hoang Viet, an international law expert, noted: "The constant presence of these vessels creates a tense environment, impacting maritime security and directly affecting the livelihoods of fishermen."
Maintaining and supplying forces on the islands is also difficult in terms of logistics and resupply. Small islands like Co Lin and Len Dao have limited area, no natural freshwater sources, and their food and fuel supplies completely depend on supply trips from the mainland. Whenever the sea remains turbulent for long periods, transportation is disrupted, directly affecting the lives of soldiers tasked with defending the islands.
On the diplomatic front, Vietnam needs to maintain international support in the East Vietnam Sea issue, firmly protecting sovereignty while avoiding escalating tensions into conflict. Mr. Pierre Du Ville, Head of the Wallonia-Brussels Delegation in Vietnam, praised Vietnam’s efforts to promote peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomacy and bilateral dialogue with neighboring countries. He emphasized: "Vietnam has played a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability through skillful diplomatic measures." (TG&VN, 2024)
Finally, the risk of localized conflict remains present amid escalating tensions in the East Vietnam Sea. The challenge for Vietnam is to respond flexibly, avoid provocations, and still ensure sovereignty. The solution involves not only strengthening defensive capabilities but also promoting multilateral diplomacy to effectively and sustainably protect national interests.
Video | [Gac Ma: Immortal circle]: Strategic location of three rock islands
III. An unequal battle
| Viet Nam | China | |
|---|---|---|
| SHIPS |  |  |
| FIREPOWER |    |     |
"In a period of national hardship, our naval forces were severely limited. The fleet primarily consisted of vessels provided by China or older, outdated war prizes from the former Republic of Vietnam. Despite preparations, the vessels were prone to mechanical failures, rendering them incapable of deployment."
-Rear Admiral Le Ke Lam-
Video | [Gac Ma: Immortal Circle]: Veteran Le Huu Thao sharing about the Correlation of Forces
2. Sea storm
-
Afternoon of March 13, 1988
-:--
Afternoon of March 13, 1988.
Three ships, HQ-604, HQ-605, HQ-505, left the port, silently cutting through the waves toward the Spratly Islands. On the deck, young soldiers gazed intently toward the horizon, where three sacred coral reefs awaited: Gac Ma, Co Lin, and Len Dao - hallowed territories of the homeland amidst the open sea.
They carried with them the national flag, construction materials, and a sacred mission: to mark sovereignty. The rumble of the ship’s engines resonated through the night, blending with the sound of crashing waves, like a song engraved deep in their hearts.
That evening, the sea was slightly rough, the sky darkened, with only the lights from the ships reflecting on the water. The Vietnamese forces remained on high alert as unusual signs from the Chinese navy emerged. In the far-off sea, lights from escort ships flickered, and mysterious vessels approached quietly.
Captain Vu Huy Le and the crew of the ship HQ-505
The ship HQ-505
At Gac Ma.
Dawn of March 14, 1988
2:00
Dawn of March 14, 1988.
At Gac Ma.
02:00 - Ship HQ-604 arrived at Gac Ma. The soldiers hurriedly transported materials, with each block of concrete being brought to the island. The cold sea wind did not deter those soldiers, tirelessly defending the island day and night.
04:30 - The loudspeakers from Chinese warships tore through the darkness: "Leave here immediately!" On the deck of HQ-604, the soldiers clenched their hands tightly. They knew that confrontation was inevitable.
06:00 - Chinese soldiers jumped onto the island, closing in on the red flag with a golden star fluttering in the wind. Lieutenant Tran Van Phuong rushed forward, embracing the flag against his chest. "Better to die than to lose the island!" - his powerful shout echoed amid the raging waves. A burst of gunfire erupted. He fell, blood staining the white sand.
06:30 - The cannons from Chinese ships roared. HQ-604 was hit and engulfed in fierce flames. The soldiers on the ship were thrown into the sea. Waves swirled with the crimson of blood. Sixty-four Vietnamese soldiers perished in the depths of the blue ocean, transformed into eternal monuments.
At Co Lin.
Dawn of March 14, 1988
7:00
At Co Lin.
07:00 - The roar of engines filled the air. Captain Vu Huy Le ordered: "Drive the ship onto the island!" HQ-505 accelerated, charging straight onto the Co Lin reef amid a barrage of gunfire. The ship became a living sovereignty marker. The soldiers on board showed no fear, weapons in hand, ready to fight.
At Len Dao.
Morning, March 14, 1988
7:15
At Len Dao.
07:15 - HQ-605 approached Len Dao, and the Vietnamese flag was planted. Immediately after, Chinese artillery rained down like a storm. HQ-605 was struck, engulfed in flames in the middle of the sea. But Len Dao remained in Vietnamese hands.
Morning of March 14, 1988.
08:00 - China occupied Gac Ma, raising its flag on the island. But Co Lin and Len Dao remained held by the steadfast Vietnamese soldiers. The sea grew calm after the artillery barrages, but the pain and sacrifice lingered. The soldiers who fell that day became the waves and the winds, singing forever the epic of courage and the indomitable spirit of the nation.
3. Interview with veterans
Veteran Le Van Dong
(Veteran of the Gac Ma battle)
Veteran Nguyen Van Thong
(Veteran of the Gac Ma battle)
Colonel Vu Huy Le
(Former Captain of the ship HQ-505)
V. After the storm
After a fierce battle, China successfully occupied Gac Ma Island illegally, but with a strong fighting spirit and blood, Vietnamese naval soldiers were able to keep Co Lin and Len Dao.
According to statistics from the Chinese, in that unequal battle, the Vietnamese soldiers had to endure more than 500 artillery shells, along with other types of ammunition. Because the transport ship was not equipped with artillery, the Vietnamese navy could only respond with AK47 and B41 firepower.
The Chinese side reported that 6 Chinese soldiers died and 18 soldiers were injured after the battle, along with 3 ships slightly damaged. As for Vietnam, the losses were much greater. The two ships HQ604 and HQ605 remained forever in the open sea, while the ship HQ505, although heavily damaged, was steered to Co Lin Shoal, becoming a sovereignty marker. And more tragically, 3 soldiers were killed, 11 others were injured and 70 were missing. Later, China returned 9 of the captured soldiers to Vietnam, while the 61 missing soldiers were considered dead. 64 soldiers remained forever in the vast ocean, leaving the Motherland and their families with a painful memory and an inconsolable grief.
Video | [Gạc Ma - Immortal Circle]: After the storm
The war has receded into the past, and the country is blossoming with independence, yet the memories of the martyrs remain deeply etched in the minds of those left behind. These are the relatives, the comrades-in-arms, who still vividly recall the stories of the soldiers who defended the islands in those days. Heeding the "sacred call of the Fatherland," they did not hesitate but resolutely departed to carry out their noble mission, even knowing they might lie forever in the distant sea...
And so, the resonance of patriotism from those noble souls echoes on to today's and future generations, becoming a source of pride, gratitude, and sincere respect. From this, the spirit of patriotism continues to be passed down...
VI. Engraving names into the sea
Retaining full sovereighty
The sacred sea and islands of our homeland — where countless generations of forefathers have fallen in exchange for peace for the nation. There, naval soldiers consider being far from home a norm, embrace danger as duty, and quietly stand guard in the vast ocean so that the mainland may remain peaceful.
Video | [Gạc Ma - Immortal Circle]: Engraving names into the sea - Retaining full sovereighty
Preserving our seas and islands today is more than just following the determined spirit of those patriotic soldiers, who laid down their lives for the nation peace, it's a heartfelt vow to the generations to come:
"That a new dawn will break...and the waves will still embrace our coasts with the serene blue of peace and liberty."
VII. Credits
Production team: Đào Bảo Trâm, Nguyễn Đình Duy Anh, Lê Hà Tú Anh, Lê Trần Phương Trà
Website layout designer: Đào Bảo Trâm, Nguyễn Đình Duy Anh
Social media: Lê Hà Tú Anh, Lê Trần Phương Trà
Music
Flying across the East Sea (Organ version)
Composer: Lê Việt Khánh
Voluntary
Composer: Trương Quốc Khánh
Performed by: Hồ Quỳnh Hương
Vietnamese Hearts
Composer: Phương Uyên
Performed by: 100 artists
Faraway Island (instrumental version)
Composer: Thế Song
Special thanks
- Ms. Mai Thi Dao - Fallen soldier Mai Van Tuyen’s sister
- Mr. Pham Huu Xuyet - Fallen soldier Pham Huu Doan’s brother
- Mr. Phung Van Khai - intermediary
- Ms. Lai Thi Hue - Naval Museum's tour guide, Hai Phong
- Interview characters at the Military History Museum, Hanoi
@nitromelon - Website design support