Battle of Zhennan Pass (Bang Bo)
Zhennanguan (today Friendship Pass), on the China-Vietnam border, Guangxi, China
What happened
A Chinese army, with the veteran general Feng Zicai holding the main defences, fought a French brigade under General François de Négrier. In the Sino-French War over control of northern Vietnam (Tonkin), the French crossed the border to attack Chinese trenches near the frontier pass. On the second day a French attack on the long Chinese trench failed after confusion over troop positions. The Chinese counter-attacked along the whole line, and the French fell back.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a major Chinese victory. The news shocked French politicians, and the French government of Jules Ferry fell days later.
What came next
The French retreated from Lạng Sơn, and the French government fell on 30 March 1885. Fighting stopped on 4 April 1885 after peace talks.
Did you know?
The pass, once called 'South Suppressing Pass', is now known as Friendship Pass.
Timeline
- 23-24 March 1885China wins at Zhennan Pass.
- 28 March 1885The French retreat from Lạng Sơn begins.
- 30 March 1885Jules Ferry's government falls.
- 4 April 1885Fighting ends after negotiations.
- 1953The pass is renamed 'South Harmonious Pass'.