Strengthening patrols to firmly protect the sovereignty of Truong Sa archipelago

Spratly IslandsCurrently divided into 8 clusters: 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 consists of more than 100 islands, rocks, coral reefs and coral reefs scattered over a wide sea area from West to East of about 350 nautical miles, occupying a sea area of ​​about 160,000 to 180,000 km2.². This is the sacred land, the incense of our ancestors and 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, patrolling and protecting the 21 islands and 33 military posts in the Truong Sa archipelago are always carried out seriously, ensuring that the number of troops is on duty 24/7. Especially on holidays and Tet, patrolling and controlling are carried out more strictly, in order to promptly detect targets with signs of encroaching 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 involves 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 Tet, patrolling work is still guaranteed. During patrolling, officers and soldiers always show high spirit and responsibility, closely monitor targets to promptly report to superiors for handling.

In addition to detecting and chasing away foreign vessels that violate Vietnam's sovereignty over its waters, patrolling 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 a period of peace, in order 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 continuously 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 closely coordinate 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...