In 1884-85, during the Sino-French War, Lieutenant-Colonel Duchesne distinguished himself both in Tonkin (northern Vietnam) and Formosa (now Taiwan).
Pada tahun 1884-85, selama Perang Tiongkok-Prancis, Letnan Kolonel Duchesne membedakan dirinya di Tonkin (Vietnam utara) dan Formosa (sekarang Taiwan).