A component of the 1939–1940 Winter Offensive, the battle temporarily threatened Japanese control of Baotou and set the stage for the Western Suiyuan campaign.
Key Facts
- Date range
- 17–24 December 1939
- Province
- Suiyuan Province, Republic of China
- War area
- Eighth War Area, Northern China
- City captured (partial)
- Up to half of Baotou seized by Chinese forces
- Part of offensive
- 1939–1940 Winter Offensive
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
As part of the broader 1939–1940 Winter Offensive launched by the National Revolutionary Army, Chinese forces sought to delay and disrupt the Japanese advance in Northern China. The strategic objective was to apply pressure on Japanese-held positions in Suiyuan Province, specifically targeting the city of Baotou.
Fighting began on 17 December 1939 when Chinese forces initiated an assault on Baotou, laying siege to the city and capturing up to half of it. The engagement continued until 24 December, when Japanese reinforcements arrived and compelled the Chinese army to withdraw from their captured positions.
Although the Chinese forces failed to hold Baotou, the battle succeeded in its delaying objective and laid the groundwork for the subsequent Western Suiyuan campaign, extending pressure on Japanese forces across the region.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent