VietNamNet Bridge – Maps demonstrating Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagoes drew special international attention at the ongoing 49th International Tourism Fair (ITB) in Berlin, Germany.

The maps that include legal evidence validating Vietnam’s sovereignty over the two archipelagoes aim to deepen international understanding of the issue in the context of China’s illegal construction and expansion of structures on Vietnam’s archipelagoes.

According to Dr. Howard Loewen from the Hamburg Institute for Peace (IFSH), China’s illegal construction and expansion of structures on rocks in the Truong Sa archipelago is a serious violation of international laws and poses threats to security and order in the region.

On March 5, Vietnam voiced its opposition to China’s illegal construction and expansion of structures on Vietnam’s Truong Sa archipelago and requested China immediately stop these wrongful actions during a regular press conference of its Foreign Ministry.

Deputy Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Pham Thu Hang reiterated that Vietnam has sufficient legal and historical evidence validating its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes.

That China has illegally built and expanded structures on rocks and changed the status quo in Truong Sa archipelago not only seriously violates Vietnam’s sovereignty but also defies the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, signed by China and the ASEAN member nations, Hang affirmed.

VNA