Exhibition on Vietnam's sea and islands opens

The exhibition features nearly 200 documents, maps, and images archived at the National Archives Centers, the Vietnam Museum of Military History, the Naval Museum, as well as materials collected from national archives and libraries in France, the United States, and other countries. It also showcases significant historical images of the Vietnam People’s Navy throughout its 70-year development.

Delegates pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

Notably, for the first time, the exhibition unveils numerous documents from Vietnam’s national archival records, dated from the 19th century to the present. These include the Royal Archives and Wood Blocks of the Nguyen Dynasty, which have been recognized by UNESCO as World Documentary Heritage. Additionally, the exhibition displays Western-drawn maps of Asia and the East Sea (aka South China Sea), published from the 17th to the 20th centuries, which clearly depict the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos as part of An Nam (modern-day Vietnam). These materials serve as undeniable historical evidence affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over the two archipelagos.

Leaders of various units and the local armed forces explore the exhibits.

Border guard servicewomen from Ba Ria - Vung Tau province visit the exhibition.

With authentic historical proof, the exhibition fosters patriotism and a love for the nation’s sea and islands, raising awareness among officers, soldiers, and citizens about their duty to protect national sovereignty. It also inspires dedication to national development while strongly reaffirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

Translated by Chung Anh