An exhibition opened in Hanoi on December 15, aiming to raise public awareness of Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

The exhibition “Vietnam’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa – Historical Evidence” features over 58 maps, 33 historical documents and 31 books and writings, collected by domestic and international researchers and scholars.

The documents have helped improve visitors’ access to the historical and legal evidence that proves that the Southernmost territory of China is Hainan island and that Vietnam has exercised sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos for many centuries.

Apart from the documents in the Vietnamese, Chinese and French languages dating from the 17th to the 19th century, the exhibition presents 100 photos on the Hanoi delegations’ visits to Truong Sa and the life of soldiers and people on the archipelago.

Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Deputy Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, said that event is a chance to popularise Vietnam ’s sovereignty over the two archipelagos. It aims to raise solidarity and awareness on the responsibility for defending national sea and island sovereignty among people.

It also proves that the collection and research of documents and evidence on the nation’s sea and island sovereignty have been done for a long time, she added.-VNA