HÀ NỘI — On February 17, 1979, China launched a large-scale attack on Việt Nam's northern border, stretching from Lai Châu to Móng Cái.

Determined to protect the country and its territorial integrity, the Vietnamese army and people fought back, bringing about the end of the war on March 18 the same year.

On the 44th anniversary of the war, take a look back at some of the moments Vietnamese reporters captured during the battle.

A soldier with a B41 rocket launcher next to the Lạng Sơn Km 0 milestone, a symbolic image of the northern border war in February 1979. — VNA/VNS Photo

A self-defence force of female soldiers in Bản Phiệt Forest in Hoàng Liên Sơn (now Lào Cai) Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Trân

The Vietnamese military travelled to the northern battlefield in February 1979. — VNA/VNS Photo Nhật Trường

Lạng Sơn Front Command and the Division 327 commanders discuss the battle plan at Chùa Tiên Cave. — VNA/VNS Photo Văn Bảo

Lục Văn Vĩnh (centre) and all five children from Cao Bằng Province joined the armed forces to protect the northern border. — VNA/VNS Photo Tạ Hải

A doctor treats a secondary school student hit by shelling in Hà Tuyên (now Hà Giang and Tuyên Quang) Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Hứa Kiểm

Border guard Ngô Duy Nhung rescues a child from the rubble. — VNA/VNS Photo Ngô Đình Phước

Houses destroyed by shelling on the street of Phó Bảng Town in Đồng Văn District of Hà Tuyên (now Hà Giang and Tuyên Quang) Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Ngọc Quán

A veteran pays respects to his fallen comrades at Vị Xuyên National Martyrs' Cemetery in northern Hà Giang Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tùng

A family member visits the grave of a fallen soldier at Vị Xuyên National Martyrs' Cemetery. — VNA/VNS Photo Minh Tâm

A veteran pays respects to his fallen comrades at Vị Xuyên National Martyrs' Cemetery in northern Hà Giang Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tùng

Martyrs' remains were recovered and prepared for burial at Vị Xuyên National Martyrs' Cemetery. — VNA/VNS Photo Minh Tâm