Vietnam's intense nationalism developed through centuries of resisting foreign intrusion. As a kingdom in Southeast Asia's Red River Valley, Vietnam was conquered by the Chinese in 111 BC. Although they borrowed important aspects of Chinese culture, the Vietnamese retained a fierce sense of their own identity. The Vietnamese Nationalist Party (VNQDD) formed in 1927 around upper- and middle-class intellectuals. Although they infiltrated native garrisons, a planned military revolt in February 1930 was quickly suppressed. The resulting French reprisals decimated the VNQDD's leadership and drove its remnants into China. European expansion provided the next threat to Vietnamese independence. Portuguese contact with Vietnam dates from 1516, and the French followed in 1615. The Vietnamese Nationalist Party (VNQDD) formed in 1927 around upper- and middle-class intellectuals. Although they infiltrated native garrisons, a planned military revolt in February 1930 was quickly suppressed. The resulting French reprisals decimated the VNQDD's leadership and drove its remnants into China.