Strengthening the defense of maritime sovereignty and islands.

(Baonghean) - The situation in the East Sea is extremely complex with sovereignty disputes between many countries in the region. In this context, the exhibition of maps and documents "Hoang Sa and Truong Sa of Vietnam - Historical and Legal Evidence" in Vinh City attracted a large number of visitors from all walks of life. This activity has proven effective in fostering patriotism, strengthening national unity, and raising awareness among all segments of the population about protecting maritime sovereignty.

During the historic month of May, alongside activities honoring the nation's heritage, Nghe An province, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communications, organized an exhibition of maps and documents titled "Hoang Sa and Truong Sa of Vietnam – Historical and Legal Evidence." Nguyen Cong Minh (24 years old, Vinh City), who attended the exhibition, said: “Seeing these ancient documents and maps proving Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, I feel I must further enhance my responsibility to protect our maritime sovereignty. This exhibition is very meaningful to me and many young people…” Many children, proudly displaying their Young Pioneer badges and red scarves, also visited. The presentations on the history of the struggle for independence and the protection of the sea and islands by previous generations provided the children with much knowledge and fostered their patriotism. Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang, a student in class 6A at Cua Nam Secondary School in Vinh City, shared: “Through the exhibition, I gained more knowledge about history and a better understanding of our country's sovereignty over its seas and islands. My classmates and I will try our best to study hard so that in the future we can contribute to protecting our homeland and country.”

The exhibition on maritime sovereignty attracted a large number of students.

The exhibition has six main sections, most notably the display of documents related to the process of establishing and exercising Vietnam's sovereignty over its islands and seas from the 17th to the 20th centuries, such as: the Nguyen Dynasty's imperial archives dating from the reign of Minh Mang (1820-1841) to the reign of Bao Dai (1926-1945); and a collection of 102 publications published in Western countries from the 18th to the 19th centuries containing information related to Vietnam's Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos. In addition, there are 95 maps and 4 atlases, research works by Vietnamese and international scholars published both domestically and abroad affirming Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos... The exhibition, taking place from May 26th to 30th, will be an opportunity for people in the province to see firsthand authentic evidence of maritime sovereignty, thereby further affirming their resolve, building national unity, creating strength to resist invading forces, and protecting the airspace and sea of ​​their homeland.

The exhibition's impact extends beyond educating the public; it also influences international friends and public opinion regarding Vietnam's just stance, the legal and practical basis of its maritime sovereignty, thereby garnering support and approval. Prior to this, in 2014, the province organized numerous large-scale competitions and exhibitions on maritime sovereignty. The online competition "Understanding Vietnam's Maritime Sovereignty," held on the province's electronic portal, attracted 133,958 participants over six weeks. Notably, the art program "Nghe An Youth with the Homeland's Seas and Islands," held during the period when China illegally deployed the Haiyang 981 oil rig in Vietnamese waters, strongly influenced patriotism and the awareness of protecting maritime sovereignty among all segments of the population. These activities have become an effective propaganda channel, fostering a sense of national pride in every citizen, especially the younger generation, to forge a lasting strength in the struggle against China's scheme to monopolize the South China Sea.

A large number of police officers are intently examining the evidence proving that Hoang Sa and Truong Sa belong to Vietnam.

Along with the above activities, along the coast, local authorities, in coordination with the Border Guard, encourage fishermen to go out to sea and maintain their livelihoods, ensuring economic development while protecting maritime sovereignty and islands. Offshore fishing fleets always proudly fly the national flag, and fishermen remain undeterred, actively staying at sea and cooperating with functional forces to uphold national sovereignty. Mr. Bui Dinh Sam, Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda Department, stated: “The province will continue to promote timely and widespread dissemination of the Party and State's policies and laws on issues related to the sea and islands; simultaneously encouraging and motivating cadres, soldiers, the people, and forces protecting maritime security and sovereignty; fostering love and a sense of responsibility among all strata of the population towards the sacred sea and islands of the Fatherland.”

Text and photos:Phuong Thao