An exhibition displaying maps and documentation on the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos kicked off in the southern province of Vinh Long on November 11 as part of a public communication campaign to affirm Vietnam’s sovereignty over the two archipelagos.

The exhibits, including documents, objects, publications and nearly 100 maps, were collected by local and international researchers and scholars.

Visitors at the exhibition. (Source: baovinhlong.com.vn)

The exhibited materials are in Han (classical Chinese), Nom (Vietnamese ideographic script), Vietnamese and French languages issued by Vietnamese feudal states, the French government in Indochina (on behalf of the then Vietnamese state), and other foreign states.

On display are also woodblocks of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) and other administrative documents issued in the 1954-1975 period and onward by the Vietnamese state that confirm Vietnam’s execution and protection of sovereignty over the two archipelagos for long via peaceful means.

Notably, there are 65 maps testifying Vietnam’s sovereignty over the two archipelagos announced by Vietnam and Western countries from the 17th century to present.

The five-day exhibition are also displaying photos and documentation related to culture and socio-economic development of Truong Sa island district during the national industrialisation and modernisation process, development achievements of Vinh Long province, and efforts of the provincial authorities and people in safeguarding the national sea and island sovereignty.

According to Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Hoang Vinh Bao, the exhibits are part of historical and legal evidences gathered at home and many nations worldwide, including China, contributing to proving Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

The event helps raise public awareness of firmly safeguarding the country’s sacred sea and island sovereignty, as well as policies of the Party and State of the national sea and island sovereignty, said Deputy Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Lu Quang Ngoi.

Source: VNA