The early 20th century Chinese map that confirms Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagoes, is now on display at Vietnam National Museum of History, at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street in Hanoi from August 1 to November 30.

The decision to exhibit the map is to raise public awareness and the need for the country to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty over its territorial waters and islands.

The map was presented to the museum by Dr. Mai Ngoc Hong, a former head of the Han-Nom Institute’s Library and Documentation Department and Director of the Vietnam Family Annals Scientific Application and Research Centre, on July 25.

The old boundary map of Chinese provinces was used by the administration at the time and published during the Qing dynasty in 1904. It clearly indicates that the southernmost point of China is Hainan Island, not the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Archipelagoes.

Academics and researchers, as well as the visitors to the museum from both Vietnam and overseas, can see with their own eyes the historical evidence and legal proof of Vietnam ’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa.

Also on display at the museum are various artifacts including documents and maps concerning maritime trade and Vietnam’s sovereignty over its waters and islands.-VNA