A political and historical look at the causes, dynamics, and significance of the 1979 war between China and Vietnam. The conflict claimed half a million lives and severely impacted millions more, not only in the belligerent countries, but also in neighboring Cambodia and Laos, where much of the actual fighting took place. The hostility and distrust continues between the countries, and contributes to the instability of the region. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.