Timeline

20th century

1. October 16, 1964★★★★★

   China's first nuclear test

   China detonates its first atomic bomb at Lop Nur, becoming the world's fifth nuclear power.

   TechnologyWar· China
2. January 19, 1974★★★★★

   Battle of the Paracel Islands

   Chinese naval forces clash with the South Vietnamese navy and take control of all of the Paracel Islands.

   War· Vietnam, China
3. February 17, 1979 – March 16, 1979★★★★★

   Sino-Vietnamese War

   China attacks Vietnam's northern border provinces and withdraws after about a month; both sides claim victory.

   War· Vietnam, China
4. March 14, 1988★★★★★

   Johnson South Reef skirmish

   Chinese and Vietnamese naval forces clash at Johnson South Reef in the Spratly Islands; about 64 Vietnamese sailors are killed.

   War· Vietnam, China