List of Chinese wars and battles

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Painting of the 1758 Battle of Oroi-Jalatu, in which the Qing defeated the Dzungar.

The following is a list of Chinese wars and battles, organized by date.[1][2]

Ancient China

Year(s) Event Brief description
26th century BCE Battle of Banquan The Yellow Emperor defeats the Yan Emperor.[citation needed]
26th century BCE Battle of Zhuolu The Yellow Emperor defeats Chi You and establishes the Han Chinese civilization.[citation needed]
1675 BCE Battle of Mingtiao The Xia dynasty is overthrown and replaced by the Shang dynasty.[citation needed]
1046 BCE Battle of Muye The Shang dynasty is overthrown and replaced by the Zhou dynasty.
c. 1042–1039 BCE Rebellion of the Three Guards The Zhou dynasty defeats the discontented Zhou princes, and their Shang loyalist allies.
771 BCE Battle of Mount Li (Lishan) King You of Zhou is killed and the Western Zhou dynasty ends.
739–678 BCE Jin–Quwo wars Dynastic struggles between two branches of Jin's ruling house
707 BCE Battle of Xuge The Eastern Zhou dynasty is defeated by the vassal Zheng state.
701–680 BCE Zheng war of succession Caused by the death of Duke Zhuang of Zheng[3][4]
685 BCE Battle of Qianshi The Qi state defeats the Lu state.[5]
684 BCE Battle of Changshao The Lu state defeats the Qi state
657–651 BCE Li Ji Unrest War about the future succession of Duke Xian of Jin
643–642 BCE War of Qi's succession Caused by the death of Duke Huan of Qi
635 BCE War of the Zhou succession Jin state assisted King Xiang of Zhou against his brother, Prince Dai, who claimed the Zhou throne
632 BCE Battle of Chengpu The Jin state defeats the Chu state.
627 BCE Battle of Xiao The Jin defeats Qin.
595 BCE Battle of Bi The Chu state defeats the Jin state.
589 BCE Battle of An The Jin state defeats the Qi state.
575 BC Battle of Yanling The Jin state defeats the Chu state.
506 BCE Battle of Boju The Wu state defeats the Chu state.
4th century BCE Gojoseon–Yan War The Yan state defeats the Gojoseon kingdom.
494 BCE Battle of Fujiao The Wu state defeats the Yue state.
c. 481–403 BCE Partition of Jin Series of wars between rival noble families of Jin, who eventually sought to divide the state's territory amongst themselves at the expense of Jin's ruling house.
The state was definitively carved up between the successor states of Zhao, Wei and Han in 376 BCE.
478 BCE Battle of Lize The Yue state defeats the Wu state.
453 BCE Battle of Jinyang The Zhao state defeats the Zhi state. Leads to the Partition of Jin.
c. 403–221 BCE Warring States period Series of dynastic interstate and intrastate wars during the Eastern Zhou dynasty over succession and territory
370–367 BCE War of the Wei succession Caused by the death of Marquess Wu of Wei
354–353 BCE Battle of Guiling The Qi state defeats the Wei state.
342 BCE Battle of Maling The Qi state defeats the Wei state.
341 BCE Battle of Guailing
293 BCE Battle of Yique The Qin state defeats the Wei and Han states.
269 BCE Battle of Yanyu
265 BCE Zhao–Xiongnu War The Zhao state defeats the Xiongnu
260 BCE Battle of Changping The Qin state defeats the Zhao state.
259–257 BCE Battle of Handan The allied forces of Zhao, Wei and Chu defeats the Qin.
230–221 BCE Qin's wars of unification The Qin state conquers the six other major states in China and unifies the country under the Qin dynasty.

Imperial China

Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)

Year(s) Event Brief description
215 BCE Qin's campaign against the Xiongnu Qin forces defeat the Xiongnu in the Ordos Desert.
214 BCE Qin campaign against the Yue tribes Qin forces defeat and conquer the Yue tribes living in southern China and northern Vietnam.
209 BCE Dazexiang uprising Chen Sheng and Wu Guang lead a rebellion against the Qin dynasty.
207 BCE Battle of Julu A rebel coalition army led by Xiang Yu defeats Qin forces.

Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE)

Chu-Han Contention (206–202 BCE)

Year(s) Event Brief description
206–202 BCE Chu-Han Contention Han defeats Chu and its allies and unifies China.
205 BCE Battle of Pengcheng Western Chu defeats Han.
205 BCE Battle of Xingyang
205 BCE Battle of Jingxing Han defeats the Zhao state.
204 BCE Battle of Wei River Han defeats Western Chu and the Qi state.
202 BCE Battle of Gaixia Han defeats Western Chu and unifies China under the Han dynasty.

Western Han (206 BCE – 9 CE)

Year(s) Event Brief description
2nd century BCE Southward expansion of the Han dynasty The Han dynasty expands its boundaries into southern China and northern Vietnam.
200 BCE Battle of Baideng The Xiongnu defeat Han forces.
180 BCE Lü Clan Disturbance Caused by the death of Empress Lü of the Han dynasty
154 BCE Rebellion of the Seven States The Han central government suppresses a revolt led by seven princes.
138 and 111 BCE Han campaigns against Minyue The Han dynasty conquers the Minyue region (around present-day southeastern China).
133 BCE – 89 CE Han–Xiongnu War Overall victory for Han forces over the Xiongnu.
133 BCE Battle of Mayi Inconclusive battle between the Xiongnu and Han forces.
119 BCE Battle of Mobei Han forces defeat the Xiongnu and reach as far north as Lake Baikal.
111 BCE Han–Nanyue War The Han dynasty conquers the Nanyue kingdom, leading to the First Chinese domination of Vietnam.
109 BCE Han campaigns against Dian The Han dynasty conquers the Dian region (around present-day Yunnan). Zhang-Conroy alliance formed.
109 BCE Gojoseon–Han War The Han dynasty defeats and conquers Gojoseon (in the northern Korean peninsula).
104 BCE War of the Heavenly Horses The Han dynasty defeats Alexandria Eschate. This is one of the only wars between Chinese and Greek cultures. 3000 prized horses were brought back to China for breeding. This was part of the broader westward expansion of the Han dynasty, which saw the establishment of the Protectorate of the Western Regions and the opening up of the Silk Road.
99 BCE Battle of Tian Shan The Xiongnu defeat Han forces.
67 BCE Battle of Jushi Han forces defeat the Xiongnu
36 BCE Battle of Zhizhi Han forces defeat the Xiongnu and kill Zhizhi Chanyu, the Xiongnu leader.

Xin dynasty (9–23 CE) and early Eastern Han (25–36 CE)

Year(s) Event Brief description
17–23 CE Red Eyebrows and Lulin Rebellions Revolts against Xin dynasty emperor Wang Mang to restore the Han dynasty; both rebel armies had their own candidates, however.
23 CE Battle of Kunyang Liu Xiu overthrows the Xin dynasty and restores the Han dynasty (as 'Eastern Han') under the Gengshi Emperor.
23–27 CE Second Red Eyebrows Rebellion Caused by the death of Wang Mang. The Red Eyebrows rebelled against the Gengshi Emperor, the Lulin rebel candidate to succeed Wang Mang.
23–36 CE Han civil war Liu Xiu campaigns against pretenders and regional warlords who opposed the rule of the Gengshi Emperor (23–25) and his own rule (since 25).[6]

Eastern Han – middle period (36–184)

Year(s) Event Brief description
73 Battle of Yiwulu Han forces defeat the Xiongnu.
89 Battle of Ikh Bayan Han forces defeat the Xiongnu.
40–43 Han suppression of the Trung sisters' rebellion Han forces strikes down the Trung sisters' rebellion, led to the Second Chinese domination of Vietnam.
177 Han-Xianbei conflict Han forces defeated by Xianbei state.

End of the Han dynasty (184–220)

Year Battle Belligerents Forces involved Victor
Campaigns and battles at the end of the Han dynasty
Aggressor Defender Aggressor Defender
190 Battle of Xingyang (190) Cao Cao Xu Rong (Dong Zhuo) 3,000 Inconclusive
191 Battle of Yangcheng Zhou Yu (Renming) (Yuan Shao) Sun Jian (Yuan Shu) Sun Jian (Yuan Shu)
191 Battle of Jieqiao Gongsun Zan Yuan Shao 40,000 40,000 Yuan Shao
191 Battle of Xiangyang (191) Sun Jian (Yuan Shu) Huang Zu (Liu Biao) Huang Zu (Liu Biao)
193 Battle of Fengqiu Cao Cao Yuan Shu Cao Cao
193-194 Cao Cao's invasion of Xu Province Cao Cao Tao Qian 5,000 Cao Cao
194-195 Battle of Yan Province Lü Bu Cao Cao 10,000 Cao Cao
194-199 Sun Ce's conquests in Jiangdong Sun Ce Various warlords (Liu Yao, Yan Baihu, Xu Gong, Wang Lang, Lu Kang, Lu Xun) Sun Ce
197-199 War between Cao Cao and Zhang Xiu Cao Cao Zhang Xiu Cao Cao
198-199 Battle of Xiapi Lü Bu Cao Cao Cao Cao
198-199 Battle of Yijing Yuan Shao Gongsun Zan 107,000 100,000 Yuan Shao
200 Battle of Guandu Yuan Shao Cao Cao 110,000 20,000 Cao Cao
202 Battle of Bowang Xiahou Dun (Cao Cao) Liu Bei Liu Bei
202-203 Battle of Liyang Cao Cao Yuan Shang Inconclusive
203 Battle of Xiakou Ling Cao (Sun Quan) Huang Zu (Liu Biao) Inconclusive
204 Battle of Ye Cao Cao Yuan Shang Cao Cao
205 Battle of Nanpi Cao Cao Yuan Tan Cao Cao
207 Battle of White Wolf Mountain Cao Cao Tadun Cao Cao
208 Battle of Jiangxia Zhou Yu (Sun Quan) Huang Zu (Liu Biao) 25,000 30,000 Zhou Yu (Sun Quan)
208 Battle of Changban Cao Cao Liu Bei Cao Cao
208 Battle of Red Cliffs Cao Cao Liu Bei , Zhou Yu (Sun Quan) 220,000 50,000 Liu Bei, Zhou Yu (Sun Quan)
208-209 Battle of Hefei (208) Sun Quan Liu Fu (Cao Cao) Inconclusive
211 Battle of Tong Pass (211) Cao Cao Ma Chao 60,000 100,000 Cao Cao
212-214 Liu Bei's takeover of Yi Province Liu Bei Liu Zhang 30,000 30,000 Liu Bei
213 Siege of Jicheng Ma Chao Wei Kang (Cao Cao) 10,000 1,000 Ma Chao
213 Battle of Lucheng Yang Fu Ma Chao Yang Fu
213 Battle of Ruxu (213) Cao Cao Sun Quan 400,000 70,000 Sun Quan
214 Battle of Qi Mountains Xiahou Yuan (Cao Cao) Zhang Lu Xiahou Yuan (Cao Cao)
214-215 Battle of Xiaoyao Ford Sun Quan Zhang Liao (Cao Cao) 100,000 7,000 Zhang Liao (Cao Cao)
215 Battle of Baxi Zhang He (Cao Cao) Zhang Fei (Liu Bei) Zhang Fei (Liu Bei)
215-216 Battle of Yangping Cao Cao Zhang Lu Cao Cao
217 Battle of Ruxu (217) Cao Cao Sun Quan 400,000 73,000 Sun Quan
218-219 Battle of Mount Dingjun Liu Bei Xiahou Yuan (Cao Cao) Liu Bei
219 Battle of Han River Cao Cao Zhao Yun (Liu Bei) 40,000 10,000 Zhao Yun (Liu Bei)
219 Battle of Fancheng Guan Yu (Liu Bei) Cao Ren (Cao Cao) 70,000 100,000 Cao Ren (Cao Cao)

Three Kingdoms period (220–280)

Year Battle Belligerents Forces involved Victor
Campaigns and battles of the Three Kingdoms
Aggressor Defender Aggressor Defender
219-220 Lü Meng's invasion of Jing Province Lü Meng (Sun Quan) Guan Yu (Liu Bei) Lü Meng (Sun Quan)
221-222 Battle of Xiaoting Liu Bei Lu Xun 40,000 50,000 Lu Xun
222 Battle of Dongkou Cao Xiu Lü Fan Inconclusive
222-223 Battle of Ruxu (222–223) Cao Ren Zhu Huan Zhu Huan
223 Battle of Jiangling (223) Cao Zhen Zhu Ran 5,000 Inconclusive
223 Battle of Qichun He Qi Jin Zong He Qi
225 Zhuge Liang's Southern Campaign Zhuge Liang Various tribal rebels (Yong Kai, Zhu Bao, Gao Ding, Meng Huo) Zhuge Liang
227-228 Xincheng Rebellion Meng Da Sima Yi Sima Yi
228 Tianshui revolts Zhuge Liang Cao Zhen 60,000 50,000 Inconclusive
228 Battle of Jieting Zhang He Ma Su Zhang He
228 Battle of Shiting Lu Xun Cao Xiu Lu Xun
229 Siege of Chencang Zhuge Liang Hao Zhao 40,000 1,000 Hao Zhao
229 Battle of Jianwei Zhuge Liang Guo Huai Zhuge Liang
231 Battle of Mount Qi Zhuge Liang Sima Yi Stalemate
231 Battle of Hefei (231) Sun Quan Man Chong Man Chong
233 Battle of Hefei (233) Sun Quan Man Chong Inconclusive
234 Battle of Wuzhang Plains Zhuge Liang Sima Yi 60,000 Inconclusive
234 Battle of Hefei (234) Sun Quan Man Chong Man Chong
238 Sima Yi's Liaodong campaign Sima Yi Gongsun Yuan 40,000 50,000 Sima Yi
240 Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions (1) Jiang Wei Guo Huai Guo Huai
241 Quebei Campaign Sun Quan Sima Yi Sima Yi
244 Battle of Xingshi Cao Shuang Fei Yi 60,000 30,000 Fei Yi
244-245 Goguryeo–Wei War Guanqiu Jian Dongcheon of Goguryeo 6,000 8,000 Guanqiu Jian
247 Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions (2) Jiang Wei Guo Huai Guo Huai
248 Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions (3) Jiang Wei Guo Huai Inconclusive
249 Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions (4) Jiang Wei Guo Huai Guo Huai
250 Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions (5) Jiang Wei Cao Wei Cao Wei
251 Wang Ling's Rebellion Wang Ling Sima Yi Sima Yi
253 Battle of Dongxing Ding Feng Sima Zhao Ding Feng
253 Battle of Hefei (253) Zhuge Ke Zhang Te Zhang Te
253 Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions (6) Jiang Wei Chen Tai Chen Tai
254 Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions (7) Jiang Wei Xu Zhi Jiang Wei
255 Battle of Didao Jiang Wei Chen Tai Chen Tai
255 Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin's Rebellion Guanqiu Jian Sima Shi Sima Shi
256 Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions (9) Jiang Wei Deng Ai Deng Ai
257-258 Zhuge Dan's Rebellion Zhuge Dan Sima Zhao 170,000 260,000 Sima Zhao
257-258 Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions (10) Jiang Wei Sima Wang Inconclusive
262 Jiang Wei's Northern Expeditions (11) Jiang Wei Deng Ai Deng Ai
263-271 Jiao Province Campaign Huo Yi Tao Huang Tao Huang
263 Conquest of Shu by Wei Sima Zhao Liu Shan 160,000 90,000 Sima Zhao
264 Siege of Yong'an Bu Xie Luo Xian Luo Xian
270-279 Tufa Shujineng's Rebellion Tufa Shujineng Ma Long Ma Long
272-273 Battle of Xiling Yang Hu Lu Kang Lu Kang
279-280 Conquest of Wu by Jin Wang Jun Sun Hao 200,000 230,000 Wang Jun

Jin dynasty (265–420), the Southern Dynasties (420–587), the Sixteen Kingdoms (304–439) and the Northern Dynasties (386–581)

Year(s) Event Brief description
263–271 Jiao Province Campaign Eastern Wu defeats Jin dynasty.
270–279 Tufa Shujineng's Rebellion Jin dynasty defeats Tufa Shujineng's rebel forces.
272 Battle of Xiling Eastern Wu defeats Jin dynasty.
280 Conquest of Wu by Jin The Jin dynasty conquers Eastern Wu and unifies China under its control.
291–306 War of the Eight Princes A power struggle following the ascension of the developmentally disabled Emperor Hui of Jin. Eight princes, and other figures such as Jia Nanfeng vied for control over the Jin court.
296–299 Qi Wannian's Rebellion Jin dynasty defeats tribal rebellion in Guanzhong; refugees enter en masse into Sichuan.
301–304 Li Te's Rebellion The Ba-Di refugee, Li Te, rebels against the Jin dynasty in Sichuan. His son, Li Xiong, establishes Cheng Han.
303–304 Zhang Chang's Rebellion Jin dynasty defeats Zhang Chang's rebel forces.
304–316 Wu Hu Uprising The Wu Hu tribes overthrow the (Western) Jin dynasty. The Jin dynasty is reestablished as the Eastern Jin dynasty. Former Zhao and Cheng Han expands.
305–307 Chen Min's Rebellion Jin dynasty defeats Chen Min's rebel forces.
311 Battle of Ningping Former Zhao defeats Jin dynasty.
311 Disaster of Yongjia Former Zhao captures Luoyang and Emperor Huai of Jin.
311–315 Du Tao's Uprising Jin dynasty defeats Du Tao's rebel forces.
313–321 Zu Ti's Northern Expedition Jin forces led by Zu Ti fights Later Zhao to a stalemate; Jin territorial gains reversed after Zu Ti's death.

Included the following battles:

314 Battle of Youzhou Former Zhao defeats Jin dynasty.
316 Battle of Chang'an (316) Former Zhao captures Chang'an and Emperor Min of Jin, ending the Western Jin dynasty.
322 Wang Dun's Insurrection (1) Wang Dun defeats Jin forces led by Emperor Yuan of Jin
324 Wang Dun's Insurrection (2) Jin forces led by Emperor Ming of Jin defeats Wang Dun
327–329 Su Jun's Rebellion Jin forces defeats Su Jun's rebel forces.
328 Battle of Luoyang (328) Later Zhao defeats Former Zhao. Later Zhao establishes itself as the dominant power in northern China.
338 Battle of Jicheng Former Yan defeats Later Zhao.
346–347 Later Zhao's invasion of Former Liang Former Liang defeats Later Zhao.
346–347 Conquest of Cheng Han by Jin Jin Dynasty conquers Cheng Han.
349 Chu Pou's Northern Expedition Later Zhao defeats Jin forces led by Chu Pou.
350–351 Ran Wei–Later Zhao War Ran Wei conquers Later Zhao; Ran Min exterminates the Jie and orders a mass killing of the Wu Hu.
351 Former Yan-Ran Wei war Former Yan conquers Ran Wei; Yan gains foothold in the Central Plains.
352 Yin Hao's Northern Expeditions (1) Former Qin defeats Jin forces led by Yin Hao.
353 Yin Hao's Northern Expeditions (2) Yao Xiang rebels and defeats Eastern Jin forces led by Yin Hao.
354–369 Huan Wen's Northern Expeditions Jin forces led by Huan Wen fails to recover northern China.

Includes the following battles:

354 Battle of Lukou Former Yan defeats Anguo Kingdom.
355 Battle of Guanggu Former Yan conquers Duan Qi.
357 Former Qin-Zhang Ping War Former Qin defeats Zhang Ping's forces.
359 Xie Wan's Northern Expedition Former Yan defeats Jin forces led by Xie Wan.
361 Battle of Yewang Former Yan defeats Lü Hu's rebel forces.
364–365 Battle of Luoyang (365) Former Yan captures Luoyang from the Jin dynasty.
365; 367–368 Rebellion of the Five Dukes Former Qin defeats anti-Fu Jian forces.
369–370 Yuan Zhen's Rebellion Jin dynasty defeats Yuan Zhen's rebel forces.
369–370 Conquest of Former Yan by Former Qin Former Qin conquers Former Yan.
371 Conquest of Chouchi by Former Qin Former Qin conquers Chouchi
373 Former Qin's invasion of Yi Province Former Qin conquers Yi Province from the Eastern Jin dynasty.
376 Conquest of Former Liang by Former Qin Former Qin conquers Former Liang.
376 Conquest of Dai by Former Qin Former Qin conquers Dai
378 Siege of Xiangyang (378) Former Qin conquers Xiangyang from the Jin dynasty.
383 Lü Guang's Expedition to Qiuci Former Qin forces led by Lü Guang conquers Qiuci.
383 Battle of Fei River The Jin dynasty defeats Former Qin, leading to the gradual collapse of Former Qin.
387 Battle of Liangzhou Later Liang defeats rebel forces.
389 Battle of Dajie Later Qin defeats Former Qin.
390 Battle of Xincheng Town Later Qin defeats Di and Qiang rebel forces.
391 Northern Wei's campaign against Liu Weichen Northern Wei conquers Liu Weichen's territory.
392 Lü Guang's expedition against Western Qin Later Liang forces led by Lü Guang defeats Western Qin.
393 Conquest of Western Yan by Later Yan Later Yan conquers Western Yan.
394 Battle of Feiqiao Later Qin decisively defeats Former Qin.
395 Battle of Canhe Slope Northern Wei defeats Later Yan.
397 Battle of Bosi Northern Wei defeated Later Yan, but then retreated due to internal struggles.
399–411 Rebellion of Sun En and Lu Xun Jin dynasty defeats Sun En and Lu Xun's rebel forces.
404 Campaign against Huan Xuan Liu Yu's coalition defeats Huan Xuan and restores the Jin dynasty.

Includes the following battles:

409–417 Liu Yu's Northern Expeditions Liu Yu reclaims territories in northern China.

Includes the following campaigns:

412 Battle of Jiangling (412) Liu Yu's forces defeats Liu Yi's forces in the Jin dynasty.
412–413 Conquest of Western Shu by Jin Jin dynasty conquers Western Shu.
418 Guanzhong Campaign Helian Xia captures the Guanzhong region from the Jin dynasty.
422 Battle of Henan A battle between Liu Song and Northern Wei.
426 Liu Song's war against Xie Hui Xie Hui was captured.
426 Western Qin-Northern Liang war Northern Liang and Helian Xia defeats Western Qin.
426–427 Battle of Tongwan Northern Wei captures Helian Xia's capital city, Tongwan
430; 450–452 Yuanjia Northern Expeditions A series of three northern expeditions against Northern Wei by the Liu Song dynasty during the reign of Emperor Wen of Song. All three ended in Northern Wei victory.
429 Northern Wei's war against Rouran Northern Wei defeats the Rouran Khaganate.
432 Northern Wei-Northern Yan War Northern Wei defeats Northern Yan.
433 Battle of Hanzhong Northern Wei defeats Southern Qi.
439 Conquest of Northern Liang by Northern Wei Northern Wei conquers Northern Liang, ending the Sixteen Kingdoms period.
449 Battle of Yongzhou
450 Battle of Shaancheng
454 Conquest of Liu Yixuan by Liu Song Liu Yixuan was defeated.
459 Battle of Guangling
466 Liu Zixun's rebellion
466 Battle of Pengcheng
467 Battle of Qingzhou
474 Battle of Jiankang
479–500 Qi-Wei war
479 Battle of Shouyang
488 Wei-Baekje war
494 Battle of Huaihan
495 Battle of Hanzhong
497 Battle of Nanyang
503 Battle of Zhongli and Yiyang
506 Battle of Hefei
507 Battle of Zhongli Liang dynasty defeats Northern Wei
515 Battle of Shaanshi
528 Battle of Ye
529 Chen Qingzhi's expeditions
531 Gao Huan's expedition against Erzhu
534–535 Civil war of Northern Wei Northern Wei split into Eastern Wei and Western Wei.
537 Battle of Shayuan Western Wei under Yuwen Tai defeats Eastern Wei under Gao Huan
543 Battle of Mt. Mang
546 Battle of Yubi
547 Hou Jing's rebellion against Eastern Wei Hou Jing led a rebellion against Eastern Wei and then fled to Liang dynasty.
552 Hou Jing's rebellion against Liang Hou Jing led a massive rebellion against Liang dynasty.
554 Battle of Jiangling Western Wei defeats Liang dynasty
556 Northern Qi-Liang war
564 Battle of Luoyang Northern Qi defeats Northern Zhou.
569 Battle of Yiyang and Fenbei
575–577 Conquest of Northern Qi by Northern Zhou
575 Battle of Heyin
576 Battle of Pingyang
580 Conquest of Yuchi Jiong by Yang Jian
580 Conquest of Wang Qian by Yang Jian
580 Battle of Lizhou
580 Battle of Wushe
580 Battle of Liangjun
580 Battle of Jinxiang
580 Battle of Shizhou

Sui dynasty (581–618)

Year(s) Event Brief description
589 Conquest of Chen by Sui
598–614 Goguryeo–Sui War Goguryeo defeats Sui.
602 Sui–Lý War The Sui dynasty defeats the Early Lý dynasty, led to the Third Chinese domination of Vietnam.
605 Sui–Lâm Ấp war The Sui dynasty defeats Champa.
611–619 Wagang Army Uprising Led by Zhai Rang and later Li Mi
613 Yang Xuangan's Rebellion
616 Battle of Xingyang Wagang Army defeats Sui army led by Zhang Xutuo
617 Battle of Huoyi Li Yuan overthrows the Sui dynasty and establishes the Tang dynasty.
618 Battle of Luoyang Li Mi defeats Yuwen Huaji and then Wang Shichong defeats Li Mi.

Tang dynasty (618–907)

Year(s) Event Brief description
621 Battle of Hulao Tang forces defeated Dou Jiande.
626 Xuanwu Gate Incident Li Shimin killed his brothers Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji in a coup and seized the succession to the Tang throne.
630 Battle of Yinshan Tang army, led by Li Jing, defeated and conquered Eastern Turks
635 Tang campaign against Tuyuhun Tang forces defeated and conquered Tuyuhun Khanate.
638 Battle of Songzhou The Tang dynasty defeated the Tibetan Empire.
639–646 Tang campaign against Xueyantuo Tang forces defeated and conquered Xueyantuo Khanate.
640–657 Tang campaigns against the Western Turks Wars between the Tang dynasty and the Western Turks.
640–648 Emperor Taizong's campaign against the Western Regions The Tang dynasty conquered the oasis states of the Tarim Basin.
640 Tang campaign against Karakhoja Tang forces defeated and conquered Karakhoja (Gaochang).
644, 648 Tang campaigns against Karasahr Tang forces defeat and conquered Karasahr.
645 Tang invasion of Tibet Tang forces invade and occupy Tibet along with its capital Lhasa.[7][8]
648–649 Tang campaign against Kucha Tang forces defeated and conquered Kucha.
649 Tang campaign against Kannauj Tang, Nepalese and Tibetan forces defeated Arunasva's forces.
657 Battle of Irtysh River Tang forces defeated the Western Turks.
657 Conquest of the Western Turks Tang forces defeated the Western Turks.
645–668 Goguryeo–Tang War The Tang dynasty and Silla defeated Goguryeo. Tang conquered Goguryeo.
663 Battle of Baekgang Tang and Silla forces defeated Yamato Japanese and Baekje forces.
663 Tibetan campaign against Tuyuhun Tuyuhun Khanate was destroyed.
660 Baekje–Tang War The Tang dynasty and Silla defeated Baekje. Tang conquered Baekje.
670 Battle of Dafei River The Tang dynasty defeated the Tibetan Empire.
670–676 Silla–Tang War The Silla defeated the Tang dynasty and retook Baekje and part of Goguryeo.
685 Battle of Kaoyu
697 Battle of Dongxiashi Valley Khitan defeated the Wu Zhou.
698 Battle of Tianmenling Mohe forces defeated the Wu Zhou.
717 Battle of Aksu (717) Tang forces defeated an allied forces of Umayyad Muslims, Tibetans and TürgeshTurks.
745–749 Siege of Shibao Fortress Tang forces defeated Tibetans
751 Battle of Talas The Abbasid Caliphate and Tibetans defeated the Tang dynasty.
755–763 An–Shi Rebellion An Lushan, An Qingxu, Shi Siming and Shi Chaoyi led a massive rebellion against Tang dynasty.
756 Battle of Tong Pass The rebel Yan state defeats Tang dynasty and soon captured Chang'an, the capital of Tang dynasty.
756 Battle of Yongqiu The Tang dynasty defeated the rebel Yan state.
757 Battle of Suiyang Pyrrhic victory for the rebel Yan state against Tang forces.
757 Battle of Xiangji Temple Tang forces defeated rebel Yan forces and recaptured Chang'an.
758–759 Battle of Xiangzhou Rebel Yan forces defeated Tang forces.
762 Battle of Luoyang The Tang dynasty decisively defeated the rebel Yan state, fall of Yan.
763 Battle of Chang´an No casualties, Tibetan Empire strategic victory against Tang dynasty.
765 Battle of Xiyuan Tang dynasty defeated the Tibetan Empire and Uyghur forces.
781 Battle of Henshui
801–802 Battle of Weizhou Tang forces defeated Tibetans in the South-West front.
817 Conquest of the Western Huai River
819 Battle of Yanzhou Tang forces defeated Tibetans in the North-West front.
854–866 Vietnamese uprising and Nanzhao invasion Tang forces defeated Nanzhao forces.
863 Siege of Songping Nanzhao captures Songping (modern Hanoi) from Tang forces
874–884 Huang Chao Rebellion Huang Chao led a rebellion that weakened the Tang dynasty.
897 Battle of Qingkou Warlord Yang Xingmi defeats other warlord Zhu Wen

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960)

Year(s) Event Brief description
909 Battle of Jisu Warlord Liu Shouguang defeats his brother Liu Shouwen
919 Battle of Langshan Jiang Wuyue defeats Yang Wu
923 Jin–Later Liang War
925 Conquest of Former Shu by Later Tang
936 Conquest of Later Tang by Later Jin
938 Battle of Bach Dang Vietnamese forces defeat the Southern Han
945 Battle of Ting-Hsien
947 Battle of Fuzhou Wuyue defeats the Southern Tang and gains control of Fuzhou
955 Siege of Shouzhou Later Zhou defeats Southern Tang

Song dynasty (960–1279)

Year(s) Event Brief description
964–965 Song conquest of Later Shu Song conquest of the Later Shu.
970–971 Song conquest of Southern Han Song conquest of the Southern Han.
974 Conquest of Southern Tang by Song Song conquest of the Southern Tang.
979 Conquest of Northern Han by Song Song conquest of the Northern Han.
979 Battle of Gaoliang River The Khitan Liao Dynasty defeats the Song Dynasty.
986 Battle of Qigou Pass Liao forces defeat Song forces.
1004 Battle of Chanzhou Inconclusive.
1041 Battle of Haoshui River The Western Xia defeats the Song Dynasty.
1048 Battle of Pei-Chou
1075–1077 Lý–Song War Indecisive.
1081–1085 Song–Xia wars Song launches war with Western Xia.
1126–1127 Siege of Dongjing The Jurchen Jin Dynasty decisively defeats the Song Dynasty, fall of Northern Song.
1129–1141 Song-Jin Wars Wars between the Song and Jin dynasties.
1130 Battle of Fuping Jin forces defeats Song forces.
1140 Battle of Yancheng Song forces under Yue Fei, defeat Jin forces.
1161 Battle of Tangdao Song forces defeat Jin forces.
1161 Battle of Caishi Song forces defeat Jin forces.
1234 Siege of Caizhou The Mongol Empire and the Song Dynasty decisively defeat the Jin Dynasty, fall of the Jin Dynasty.
1259 Siege of Diaoyu fortress Song forces defeat the Mongols.
1273 Battle of Xiangyang The Mongols defeat Song forces.
1279 Battle of Yamen The Mongols decisively defeat the Song Dynasty, fall of Southern Song.

Liao dynasty (907–1125)

Year(s) Event Brief description
Liao-Song War
979 Battle of Gaoliang River The Liao Dynasty defeats the Song Dynasty.
986 Battle of Qigou Pass Liao forces defeat Song forces.
993–1019 Goryeo–Khitan War The Goryeo defeated the Khitan Liao Dynasty forces.
1004 Battle of Chanzhou Inconclusive.
1044 Battle of Hequ The Western Xia defeats the Liao Dynasty.
1114–1125 Liao-Jin War

Jurchen Jin dynasty (1115–1234)

Year(s) Event Brief description
1126–1127 Siege of Dongjing The Jurchen Jin Dynasty decisively defeats the Song Dynasty, fall of Northern Song.
1130 Battle of Fuping Jin forces defeats Song forces.
1211–1234 Mongol–Jin War The Mongols defeat and conquer Jin.
1211 Battle of Yehuling The Mongols defeat Jin.
1215 Battle of Zhongdu The Mongols defeat Jin.
1229 Battle of Dachangyuan Jin defeats the Mongols.
1231 Battle of Daohuigu Jin defeats the Mongols.
1232 Battle of Sanfengshan The Mongols defeat Jin.
1232 Mongol siege of Kaifeng The Mongols capture the Jin city Kaifeng.
1234 Siege of Caizhou The Mongol Empire and the Song Dynasty decisively defeat the Jin Dynasty, fall of the Jin Dynasty.

Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)

Year(s) Event Brief description
1274, 1281 Mongol invasions of Japan The Japanese defeat the Mongol/Korean/Chinese invaders.
1277–1287 First Mongol invasion of Burma Mongol Yuan victory, fall of the Pagan Empire.
1288 Battle of Bạch Đằng The Vietnamese defeat Yuan forces.
1293 Mongol invasion of Java Failed Yuan expedition to Java.
1301 Second Mongol invasion of Burma The Burmese defeat Yuan forces.
1351–1368 Red Turban Rebellion The Red Turban rebels overthrow the Yuan dynasty.
1359 Red Turban invasions of Goryeo The Red Turban rebels attack Goryeo.
1360 Battle of Yingtian
1363 Battle of Lake Poyang Zhu Yuanzhang defeats Chen Youliang.

Ming dynasty (1368–1644)

Year(s) Event Brief description
1381–1382 Ming conquest of Yunnan The Ming expelled the last of the loyalist Mongol forces of the Yuan in South China.
1386–1388 Ming–Mong Mao War The Ming vassalized the Mong Mao.
1387 Ming campaign against the Uriyangkhad horde The Ming received the surrender of the Naghachu based in Manchuria.
1388 Battle of Buir Lake The Ming decisively defeated Toghus Temur, Khan of the Northern Yuan dynasty based in Mongolia.
14th century–15th century Miao Rebellions Ming forces suppressed rebellions by the Miao and other aboriginal peoples in southwestern China.
1397–1398 Dao Ganmeng rebellion The Ming forces suppressed a rebellion by Dao Ganmeng against Mong Mao vassalge
1399–1402 Jingnan Campaign Zhu Di seized the throne from the Jianwen Emperor in a civil war.
15th century–16th century Ming–Turpan conflict The Ming clashed with the Turpan kingdom.
1406–1407 Ming–Hồ War The Ming defeated the Hồ dynasty, led to the Fourth Chinese domination of Vietnam.
1407–1413 Later Trần resistance Resistance defeated by the Ming.
1410 Ming–Kotte War The Ming defeated the Kingdom of Kotte.
1415 Ming–Samudera War The Ming defeated the forces of Sekandar.
1410–1424 Yongle Emperor's campaigns against the Mongols The Ming launched punitive expeditions against the Eastern Mongols, Oyirad Mongols, and other Mongol tribes.
1418–1427 Lam Sơn uprising Vietnamese victory, ending Ming rule in Vietnam.
1436–1449 Luchuan–Pingmian campaigns Punitive campaigns against the Mong Mao
1449 Tumu Crisis The Mongols defeated the Ming.
1449 Defense of Beijing The Ming defeated the Mongols
1449–1467, 1475 Miao rebellions under the Ming dynasty Rebellions defeated.
1510 Prince of Anhua rebellion The Ming suppressed a revolt by Zhu Zhifan (the Prince of Anhua).
1519 Prince of Ning rebellion The Ming suppressed a revolt by Zhu Chenhao (the Prince of Ning).
1521 First Battle of Tamão The Ming defeated the Portuguese in a naval battle.
1522 Second Battle of Tamão The Ming defeated the Portuguese in a naval battle.
1529–1571 Mongol raids by Altan Khan Ming signed peace treaty with Altan Khan.
1540s–1560s Jiajing wokou raids The Ming defeated the Wokou pirates.
1575–1581 Li Chengliang campaign against Tümen Khan The Ming defeated the Mongols
1589–1600 Bozhou rebellion Miao Rebellion against Ming.
1592–1598 Japanese invasions of Korea The Ming and Joseon defeated Japanese invaders.
1593 Siege of Pyongyang The Ming and Joseon defeated Japanese invaders.
1597 Siege of Ulsan Ming and Joseon forces failed to capture Ulsan Castle from the Japanese.
1598 Battle of Sacheon Ming and Joseon forces failed to capture Sacheon from the Japanese.
1598 Battle of Noryang Ming and Joseon forces defeated the Japanese in a naval battle.
1618–1683 Qing conquest of the Ming The Qing dynasty defeated and conquered the Ming.
1618–1619 Battle of Sarhu The Manchus defeated the Ming.
1621–1629 She-An Rebellion The Ming defeated the Yongning Rebellion.
1626 Battle of Ningyuan The Ming defeated the Manchus.
1622–1633 Sino-Dutch conflicts A series of conflicts between the Ming and the Dutch East India Company that began on Penghu and concluded with Ming victory at the Battle of Liaoluo Bay.
1641–1642 Battle of Songjin The Qing defeated the Ming.
1642 Battle of Nanyang
1643 Battle of Tongguan Ming was defeated by Li Zicheng in Shaanxi.
1644 Battle of Beijing Rebel forces led by Li Zicheng occupied the capital Beijing and overthrew the Ming dynasty.
1644 Battle of Shanhai Pass Qing forces allied with former Ming general Wu Sangui and defeated Li Zicheng's forces.

Qing dynasty (1644–1912)

Year(s) Event Brief description
1652–1689 Sino-Russian border conflicts Border conflicts between the Qing and the Russian Tsardom concluded with Qing victory and the signing of the Treaty of Nerchinsk.
1661–1662 Siege of Fort Zeelandia Koxinga defeated the Dutch and conquered Taiwan.
1678–1680 Dzungar conquest of Altishahr Dzungars conquer the Yarkent Chagatai Khanate
1674–1681 Revolt of the Three Feudatories The Qing suppressed rebellions in Fujian, Guangdong and Yunnan.
1683 Battle of Penghu The Qing conquered the Kingdom of Tungning in Taiwan.
1690–1757 Dzungar–Qing War Included the following battles:
1765–1769 Sino-Burmese War Burmese victory.
1788–1789 Campaign in Vietnam Tây Sơn dynasty victory, Qing troops retreat from Vietnam.
1790–1791 Sino-Nepalese War Qing victory.
1794–1804 White Lotus Rebellion The Qing suppressed a revolt by the White Lotus Society.
19th century Ningpo Massacre Cantonese pirates (with support from the Qing) defeated Portuguese pirates.
1820s–1850s Afaqi Khoja revolts Aq Taghlik Khojas (Afaqi Khojas) attack Xinjiang. Qing victory
1839–1842 First Opium War The Qing lost to the British and ceded Hong Kong to the latter.

Included the following battles:

1841–1842 Sino-Sikh War Military stalemate between the Sikhs and the Qing. Treaty of Chushul signed.
1850–1864 Taiping Rebellion The Qing defeated the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (founded by the Taiping rebels).

Included the following battles:

1854–56 Red Turban Rebellion The Qing defeated Red Turban rebels in Guangdong
1855–1867 Punti-Hakka Clan Wars Hakka were allocated their own independent sub-prefecture, Chixi (赤溪镇), which was carved out of south-eastern Taishan, while others were relocated to Guangxi Province, mass emigration to other countries.
1856–1860 Second Opium War The British, French and Americans defeated the Qing.

Included the following battles:

1856–1873 Panthay Rebellion The Qing and Hui loyalists suppressed a revolt by the Hui people and other ethnic minorities in Yunnan.
1862–1877 Dungan revolt The Qing and Hui loyalists suppressed a revolt by the Hui people in northwestern China.
1864–1869 Nian Rebellion The Qing suppressed a revolt led by Zhang Lexing and others.

Includes the following battles:

1866 Formosa Expedition Paiwan Aboriginals defeat the Americans
1870 Battle of Ürümqi (1870) The Uzbek controlled kingdom of Kashgaria defeated Hui rebels.
1874 Japanese invasion of Taiwan (1874) Paiwan Aboriginals fight against the Japanese
1876–1878 Qing reconquest of Xinjiang The Qing defeat Yaqub Beg's forces in Kashgaria.
1884–1885 Sino-French War Militarily indecisive, diplomatic victory of the French.

Included the following battles/campaigns:

1884 Gapsin Coup The Qing defeated the Japanese.
1894–1895 First Sino-Japanese War The Japanese defeated the Qing.

Included the following battles:

1895–1896 Dungan revolt The Qing and Muslim loyalists suppressed a revolt by Muslim forces in western China.
1895 Japanese invasion of Taiwan (1895) The Japanese occupy Taiwan.
1899–1901 Boxer Rebellion The Eight-Nation Alliance defeated the Boxer rebels and Qing forces.

Included the following battles in 1900:

1911–1912 1911 Revolution The 2,132 years of imperial rule in china has ended

The Republic of China replaces the Qing Dynasty to rule China

Modern China

Yuan Shikai-led Republic of China

Warlord Era

Chinese Civil War (First phase, 1927–1936)

Sino-Soviet conflict (1929)

Sino-Tibetan War (1930–1932)

Xinjiang Wars (First phase, 1931–1937)

Second Sino-Japanese War (1931–1945, part of World War II from 1941)

Xinjiang Wars (Second phase, 1944–1949)

Chinese Civil War (Second phase, 1945–1949)

Conflicts in the Chinese Civil War in the post-World War II era are listed chronologically by the starting dates.[9]

1945

1946

1947

1948

1949

1950

1951

1952

1953

1955

1960

1950–1958

Annexation of Tibet (1950)

Korean War (1950–1953)

Sino-Indian War (1962)

The Sino-Indian War between China and India occurred in October–November 1962. A disputed Himalayan border was the main cause of the war. There had been a series of violent border skirmishes between the two countries after the 1959 Tibetan uprising, when India granted asylum to the Dalai Lama. India initiated a defensive Forward Policy from 1960 to hinder Chinese military patrols and logistics, in which it placed outposts along the border, including several north of the McMahon Line, the eastern portion of the Line of Actual Control proclaimed by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1959.[11]

Nathu La and Cho La clashes (1967)

The Nathu La and Cho La clashes took place from September–October of 1967. The Nathu La clashes started on 11 September 1967, when China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched an attack on Indian posts at Nathu La, and lasted till 15 September 1967. In October 1967, another military duel took place at Cho La and ended on the same day. According to independent sources, India achieved "decisive tactical advantage" and managed to hold its own against and push back Chinese forces. Many PLA fortifications at Nathu La were destroyed, where the Indian troops drove back the attacking Chinese forces. Another battle took place at Cho La a few kilometers south a few days later. The military duel lasted one day, during which the Chinese were driven away, which boosted Indian morale. According to Indian Maj. Gen. Sheru Thapliyal, the Chinese were forced to withdraw nearly three kilometers in Cho La during the clash. The Defence Ministry of India reported: 88 killed and 163 wounded on the Indian side, while 340 killed and 450 wounded on the Chinese side, during the two incidents.

Sino-Soviet border conflict (1969)

Vietnam War (1955–1975)

Laotian Civil War (1958–1975)

Sino-Vietnamese War (1979)

Sino-Vietnamese conflicts (1979–1991)

Sumdorong Chu standoff (1986–1987)

Mali War (2012–present)

2013 Depsang standoff

2017 China–India border standoff

2020–2021 China–India skirmishes

See also

Notes

  1. ^ see Larry M. Wortzel, and Robin Higham, Dictionary of contemporary Chinese military history (Abc-clio, 1999).
  2. ^ Xiaobing Li, ed. China at War: An Encyclopedia. (ABC-CLIO, 2012). online passim.
  3. ^ Higham, Charles (2004). Encyclopedia of Ancient Asian Civilizations. Infobase. p. 173.
  4. ^ Minford, John (2000). Classical Chinese Literature. New York: Columbia University Press. p. 173. ISBN 9789629960483. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  5. ^ Zuo, Qiuming; Durrant, Stephen; Li, Wai-yee; Schaberg, David (2016). Zuo Tradition / Zuozhuan: Commentary on the "Spring and Autumn Annals" (1 ed.). Seattle: University of Washington Press. p. 157. ISBN 9780295999159.
  6. ^ "eerste eeuw. §4.2 Politieke ontwikkelingen". Encarta Encyclopedie Winkler Prins (in Dutch). Microsoft Corporation/Het Spectrum. 1993–2002.
  7. ^ Charles Bell (1992). Tibet Past and Present. CUP Motilal Banarsidass Publ. p. 28. ISBN 978-81-208-1048-8. Archived from the original on 3 January 2014. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  8. ^ University of London. Contemporary China Institute, Congress for Cultural Freedom (1960). The China quarterly, Issue 1. p. 88. Archived from the original on 3 January 2014. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  9. ^ Xiaobing Li, ed. China at War: An Encyclopedia. (ABC-CLIO, 2012). online pp 56–58.
  10. ^ Xiaobing Li, ed. China at War: An Encyclopedia. (ABC-CLIO, 2012). online pp 201–211.
  11. ^ Xiaobing Li, ed. China at War: An Encyclopedia. (ABC-CLIO, 2012). online pp 399–401.
  12. ^ Xiaobing Li, ed. China at War: An Encyclopedia. (ABC-CLIO, 2012). online pp 405–406.
  13. ^ Xiaobing Li, ed. China at War: An Encyclopedia. (ABC-CLIO, 2012). online pp 311–413.

Further reading

  • Graff, David Andrew, and Robin Higham, eds. A military history of China (University Press of Kentucky, 2012).
  • Li, Xiaobing, ed. China at War: An Encyclopedia. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2012. online
  • Liu, Frederick Fu. A Military History of Modern China, 1924–1949 (1972).
  • Mitter, Rana. "Old ghosts, new memories: China's changing war history in the era of post-Mao politics." Journal of Contemporary History 38.1 (2003): 117–131.
  • Ryan, Mark A., David Michael Finkelstein, and Michael A. McDevitt. Chinese Warfighting: the PLA experience since 1949 (ME Sharpe, 2003).
  • Swope, Kenneth, ed. Warfare in China since 1600 (Routledge, 2017).
  • Worthing, Peter M. A military historyof modern China: from the manchu conquest to Tian'anmen Square (Praeger, 2007).
  • Wortzel, Larry M., and Robin Higham. Dictionary of contemporary Chinese military history (Abc-clio, 1999).

External links