Major States 1001
between Chinese and Soviet troops along the Kazakhstan-Sinkiang border. Both
sides blamed the other for border incursions that resulted in the clash that killed one
Chinese soldier, and another border violation by Soviet forces occurred in September.
In February 1980, China received reports that the Soviet Union had deployed SS-20
medium-range ballistic missiles with the capacity to carry nuclear warheads near the
border between Siberia and China along the Shilka River, but Soviet alarm over Chi-
nese actions in Vietnam had waned with the ending of the conflict the previous March.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from January 27, 1979. End Date changed from
February 14, 1980.
MID#2717
Dispute Number: 2717
Date(s): October 5, 1980
Participants: 365 Russia/710 China
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths
Narrative: On October 5, 1980, four Soviet soldiers violated the border and crossed
into Chinese Mongolia. They killed a herdsman and then opened fire on Chinese bor-
der guards who returned the fire. One of the Soviets was killed. China lodged a strong
protest with the Soviet Union over what was the first border incident in a year.
Coding changes: End Date changed from October 29, 1980.
MID#2718
Dispute Number: 2718
Date(s): July 12, 1986
Participants: 710 China/365 Russia
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths
Narrative: On July 12, 1986, Soviet and Chinese troops exchanged fire across the
border. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the clash on August 23 but called it
an “isolated incident” and stated that they had already reached out to Moscow. One
Chinese soldier was killed and another was injured in the shootout. An investigation
concluded the exchange was accidental. However, the Soviet Union took the incident
seriously enough to send their principal negotiator to China to apologize.
MID#4052
Dispute Number: 4052
Date(s): June 9, 1993 to June 10, 1993
Participants: 710 China/365 Russia
Outcome (and Settlement): Released (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: The dispute began during a smuggling patrol of China. A Russian trawler
was suspected to be smuggling and was seized with its 39 passengers detained, on