December 14, 2016 | 21:05 (GMT+7)
Ministry protests against Chinese stamps featuring images of Vietnam’s archipelago
The Vietnam Post has protested against China’s recent issuance of a collection of postage stamps featuring five lighthouses, built on Chau Vien (Cuarteron), Gac Ma (Johnson South), Si Bi (Subi), Chu Thap (Fiery Cross) and Vanh Khan (Mischief) reefs on Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.
A naval troop guarding the sovereignty milestone on Sinh Ton Dong (Sin Cowe East) Island of the Truong Sa archipelago of Vietnam. Photo: Huu Duong
In a statement released on December 13, the Ministry of Information and Communications said the stamp issuance on October 28 is a serious violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago, and runs counter to Article 8 of the Universal Postal Union Convention.
Vietnam has full historical and legal evidence affirming its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spartly) archipelagoes, the ministry said.
The Vietnam Post demanded that China Post respect the historical truth and immediately repeal the set of stamps, envelopes and publications featuring islands on the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.
It also asked the latter not to repeat the action in order to foster bilateral ties between the two post agencies.
Source: VNA