One of the few instances of Soviet forces using chemical weapons against Chinese Muslim troops during the Soviet intervention in Xinjiang in 1934.
Key Facts
- Year
- 1934
- Chinese unit
- 36th Division (Ma Zhongying)
- Chemical agent used
- Mustard gas, deployed by Soviet bombers
- Notable tactic
- Troops in sheepskins stormed machine-gun posts with swords
- Outcome
- Chinese Muslim forces ordered to retreat by Ma Zhongying
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Soviet invasion of Xinjiang, the Red Army moved to counter the Chinese Muslim 36th Division under General Ma Zhongying, whose forces posed a significant threat to Soviet-backed control of the region. The two forces converged near the frozen Tutung River, setting the stage for direct confrontation.
Soviet forces attacked Ma Zhongying's 36th Division on the banks of the frozen Tutung River over several days. Soviet bombers deployed mustard gas against the Chinese Muslim troops, who responded by donning sheepskin camouflage and charging Soviet machine-gun positions with curved swords, successfully repelling a Soviet pincer attack before casualties mounted heavily on both sides.
With casualties rising sharply, Ma Zhongying ordered a retreat, ending the engagement. The battle illustrated the disparity in military technology between the Soviet and Chinese Muslim forces, and the Soviet use of chemical weapons underscored the ruthlessness of the intervention in Xinjiang.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Ma Zhongying.
Side B
1 belligerent