China-Vietnam Conflict of 1979 Goes Wider

China resented Vietnam's invasion of Cambodia in 1978 and invaded the northern part of the country. China promised Moscow that the Navy and Air Force would stay out of the war but lots of Soviet advisors and equipment were nearby. Is there a way this war goes wider (perhaps dragging the USSR to provide more material to Vietnam or even direct involvement) and what are the consequences?
 
No shot, China knows that a fracture of the Communist alliance all but ensures a total collapse of the system as each country is defeated piecemeal. Ultimately what is the greater threat, a Vietnam that doesn't kowtow to Beijing completely or an America that just needs a small opening with the Soviets to finally be given cart blanch to deal with China?
 
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