A French victory in the Sino-French War that temporarily cleared Chinese forces from the Tonkin border region and led to the destruction of the Gate of China at Zhennan Pass.
Key Facts
- Date
- 23 February 1885
- Conflict
- Sino-French War
- Location
- Đồng Đăng, northern Tonkin, near Chinese border
- Notable destruction
- Gate of China at Zhennan Pass destroyed by French
- Follow-on event
- Chinese counterattack ~3 weeks later at Battle of Bang Bo
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Battle of Đồng Đăng arose from the broader Lạng Sơn campaign of the Sino-French War, during which French forces sought to push Chinese troops out of northern Tonkin and secure the border region between China and Vietnam.
On 23 February 1885, French forces engaged and defeated Chinese troops near the town of Đồng Đăng, expelling them from the Tonkin border region. Following the victory, French troops advanced to destroy the Gate of China at Zhennan Pass before withdrawing toward Lạng Sơn.
The French victory was temporary; approximately three weeks after the battle, Chinese forces launched a counterattack that led to the Battle of Bang Bo, reversing French gains and reshaping the final phase of the Sino-French War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent