[kaehurowing]

I wonder how China could kick India’s ass in 1962, but couldn’t do the same to a smaller Vietnam in 1979 and all throughout the 1980’s...

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Because the Vietnamese had been fighting in wars continuously for several generations so were used to it and knew the tactics for defeating a more powerful opponent.

[dfwgator]

I wonder how China could kick India’s ass in 1962, but couldn’t do the same to a smaller Vietnam in 1979

We didn't beat Vietnam, neither.