VietNamNet Bridge - The first chair of the island district of Hoang Sa, Mr. Dang Cong Ngu, retired on May 1 and the new chair was appointed.

Mr. Chanh (left) receives flowers from his predecessor, Dang Cong Ngu. Photo: VNE

On Monday, the Da Nang City People's Committee appointed Mr. Vo Cong Chanh, former deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Home Affairs, as the director of this agency cum the chair of Hoang Sa District, to replace Mr. Ngu. Chanh was also appointed vice chief of the Da Nang Party Committee’s Organizing Board.

Chanh, 43, a native of the central province of Quang Nam, holds a master degree of literature and a bachelor degree of laws.

"As the chair of Hoang Sa Island District, I promise to inherit the results that my predecessor – Mr. Dang Cong Ngu – has achieved and fulfill the responsibilities and tasks that I’m assigned to," Chanh said.

In May 2009, Da Nang authorities appointed Mr. Dang Cong Ngu, Director of Da Nang Department of Home Affairs, as the first chair of Hoang Sa Island District.

During his 1,828 days in office, Ngu collected a number of historical documents and evidence confirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands. Ngu is also the editor of the book "Hoang Sa Summary Record", published in January 2012.

"The process to protect territorial sovereignty will be long and hard, so I hope that young people will continue the mission to reclaim Hoang Sa, which is illegally occupied," Ngu said.

On January 19, 1974, China used force to illegally occupy the Hoang Sa Islands of Vietnam. After the country’s unification in 1975, the island district of Hoang Sa was established as part of Quang Nam - Da Nang Province. After Da Nang split from Quang Nam, Hoang Sa District belonged to Da Nang. The headquarters of the district government is based at 132 Yen Bai Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.

Tran Cham