The Battle of Shangganling, Korea, October-November 1952

What is it about?

This battle during the last year of the Korean War was an important turning point for both the American and Chinese armies. Neither side had gained any significant advantage trying to find a negotiated settlement. During this time frame (July 1951 - August 1952) the Chinese armies also acquired significant military capabilities. This battle shows how the Chinese found ways and means to resist American attempts to coerce concessions at Panmunjom, while illustrating the costs of any future attempt by the Americans to break the negotiations logjam by force.

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Why is it important?

During the Korean War, both sides attempted in the Fall of 1952 to pressure the other by military means to determine the fate of prisoners of war -- whether or not they would be forcibly repatriated to the country from whose army they were captured. The failure of ground fighting to produce concessions on this issue finally convinced both sides that further military action was not worth the cost. A negotiated settlement materialized -- substantially along the same battle lines -- just eight months later.