Choose an actor and weigh its role.
Which actor did most to shape the war?
Vietnam
- Decided in 1978 to remove Pol Pot.
- Invaded in December 1978 and occupied Cambodia for a decade.
Hanoi's decision started the war.
It acted after securing Soviet backing, and was provoked by border raids.
China
- Backed Democratic Kampuchea as a buffer.
- Attacked Vietnam in 1979 and armed the resistance.
China escalated and prolonged the war.
It did not start the invasion and could not force a withdrawal by war.
The USSR
- Signed a treaty with Vietnam in November 1978.
- Cut support under Gorbachev.
Soviet backing enabled the occupation; its withdrawal helped end it.
It avoided direct fighting with China in 1979.
Democratic Kampuchea
- Raided Vietnamese border provinces from 1977.
- Fought on after 1979 as part of the coalition.
Pol Pot's provocations helped trigger the invasion.
Its weakness meant it could not determine the outcome.