Strengthening patrols to firmly protect the sovereignty of Truong Sa archipelago

Spratly IslandsCurrently divided into 8 clusters including: Song Tu, Loai Ta, Thi Tu, Nam Yet, Sinh Ton, Truong Sa, Tham Hiem, Binh Nguyen. Located in the Southeast of our country, about 6⁰30 to 12⁰00^'North and 111⁰30^'to 117⁰30^'The East Sea, consisting of more than 100 islands, rocks, coral reefs and coral reefs, is scattered over a wide sea area from West to East, approximately 350 nautical miles, occupying a sea area of ​​approximately 160,000 to 180,000 km2.². This is the sacred land, the incense of our ancestors, our forefathers for hundreds of years. We have full historical evidence and legal basis to affirm the sacred and inviolable sovereignty over the two archipelagos of Truong Sa and Hoang Sa.

Officers and soldiers on patrol on Song Tu Tay Island. Photo: Tien Dong

Patrolling and protecting islands and island points is always carried out 24/7 to ensure readiness in all situations. Photo: Quang An

To ensure that we are not passive or surprised in any situation, the patrol and protection work at 21 islands, island points and 33 military stations in Truong Sa archipelago is always carried out seriously, ensuring the number of troops on duty 24/24 hours. Especially on holidays and Tet, the patrol and control work is carried out more strictly, in order to promptly detect targets with signs of encroachment on Vietnam's sea and airspace and be ready for any situation.

Truong Sa archipelago is a sacred and inviolable land of Vietnam, patrolling and protection work is always carried out strictly. Photo: Tien Dong

In addition to regular army forces, the patrol also involved militia squads on the islands. Photo: Quang An

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Xuan Truong - CommanderSong Tu Tay IslandSharing: Patrolling and protecting the sea and islands is a permanent and regular task of the army and people on the island. Although still enjoying Spring and celebrating Tet, patrolling work is still guaranteed. During patrolling, officers and soldiers always show high spirit and responsibility, closely monitoring targets to promptly report to superiors for handling.

In addition to detecting and chasing away foreign vessels violating Vietnam's maritime sovereignty, officers and soldiers also organize rescue and help Vietnamese fishermen when they are in distress at sea.

Even on Tet holiday, patrols are always guaranteed. Photo: Tien Dong

The forces always coordinate closely during patrols. Photo: Tien Dong

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Danh Hoang - Commander of Sinh Ton Island added: Although the country has now entered peacetime, however, to firmly protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland, every day, officers and soldiers on Truong Sa archipelago in general and Sinh Ton Island in particular still constantly train, are ready to fight, and ensure patrol and protection work according to the set plan. Units on the island always grasp the spirit of direction from superiors and coordinate closely in all tasks.

Elite forces on Sinh Ton Island train and prepare for combat. Photo: Quang An

Soldiers on Sinh Ton Island practice martial arts. Photo: Tien Dong

Thanks to the efforts of all officers and soldiers, with close coordination of other forces on the island, over the past years, the sovereignty of the sea, islands and continental shelf of Truong Sa archipelago has been firmly protected...