TIỀN GIANG (VIỆT NAM NEWS) – An exhibition showcasing maps and documents proving Việt Nam’s sovereignty over the Hoàng Sa (Paracel) and Trường Sa (Spratly) archipelagos opens today in this province’s Mỹ Tho City.

The exhibition, titled “Hoàng Sa, Trường Sa belong to Việt Nam – The historical and juridical evidence,” is being organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications, in collaboration with Tiền Giang’s People’s Committee.

It displays more than 200 maps, images, data sheets, documents, artifacts and publications that reflect Việt Nam’s process of establishing and enforcing maritime sovereignty from the 17th to the 20th century.

The documents show that since feudatory times, the Vietnamese kingdoms had explored, established, enforced and defended their sovereignty over Hoàng Sa, Trường Sa and other maritime zones that belonged to Việt Nam’s territory.

The highlight of the exhibition is the Atlas Universal collection, compiled by Philippe Vandermaelen (1795-1869), a Belgian geologist and founder of the Belgian Royal Geographic Society, which confirms Việt Nam’s sovereignty over Hoàng Sa and Trường Sa.

Deputy Minister Phạm Hồng Hải said at the opening ceremony that the exhibition was an important communication activity that would contribute to raising awareness, boosting solidarity and enhancing the sense of responsibility among Vietnamese citizens in the country and overseas – especially amongst young people – in defending and asserting Việt Nam’s sovereignty over the two archipelagos.  

The exhibition runs until April 26 at the province’s cultural centre. – VNS