Historic proof affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos are being spotlighted at an exhibition held in the central province of Quang Tri on June 11.

On display are 100 valuable documents, maps and objects discovered by both domestic and foreign researchers. Thousands of local residents were drawn to the exhibition on its first day.

The exhibited materials are in Han (classical Chinese used in Vietnam), Nom (Vietnamese ideographic script), Vietnamese and French languages issued from the 17th century to the outset of the 20th century by Vietnamese feudal states and the French government in Indochina (on behalf of the then Vietnamese state). They recorded the process of establishing, exercising and defending Vietnam’s sovereignty over the two archipelagos.

Notably, maps published by China up to the beginning of 20th century demonstrate China’s southernmost territory as Hainan Island without any mention of Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

Truong Minh Tuan, Deputy Minister of the Information and Communication said that the exhibition re-affirms that the nine-dotted line is an invalid claim by China in regards to its southern waters.

Located in the northern central region, Quang Tri has a 75-kilometre coast. Con Co Island in the East Sea has an extremely critical position for national defence.

The province is taping its full potential to develop its marine economy such as aquaculture cultivation, fishing logistic services, seaports and eco-tourism. Quang Tri is also affirming its staple role in Vietnam’s marine strategy and East-West Economic Corridor development with several major projects including the My Thuy deep water seaport and the Dong Nam (South-East)Economic Zone.

The exhibition aims to raise public awareness, promote solidarity and encourage the responsibility of Vietnamese nationals in protecting and affirming national territory.

The exhibition will run until June 16.

VNA