An exhibition themed “Hoang Sa Archipelago – Vietnam’s sovereignty” opened on April 21 in the central city of Da Nang, attracting more than 1,000 local students on the first day.

Jointly held by the municipal Department for External Relations and the city museum, the exhibition is showcasing 70 photos, documents and items with high historical value, helping confirm Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago.

Among the items are an ancient sovereignty stele made by French people in 1938 and a radio found in the archipelago in 1939.

The exhibits, which originate not only from Vietnam but other countries as well, including China, were collected by both Vietnamese and foreign scholars, researchers and agencies.

Visitors to the event, which runs until April 26, can see many pieces of evidence proving that Vietnamese people have lived in Hoang Sa for generations. These include a certificate of birth, dated December 7, 1939, belonging to Mai Kim Quy, the daughter of a weatherman in the archipelago.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Dang Cong Ngu, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hoang Sa district, underscored the importance of such events, which help educate the younger generations on the important national sovereignty over Hoang Sa Archipelago.

The event is also considered a chance to pay tribute to soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa, he added.

On the occasion, representatives from the Da Nang University of Technology presented 50 million VND supporting the “Hoang Sa, Truong Sa Fund.”

As part of efforts to raise public awareness of the national sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagoes, a mobile exhibition themed “Hoang Sa, Truong Sa of Vietnam – Historical Evidence” is underway from April 19-28 in Truong Sa Lon island.

The exhibition, which has travelled to eight provinces nationwide, is a joint effort between the Ministry of Information and Communications and other local agencies. More than 120 ancient maps and documents are being made available at the event.

Meanwhile, the two first post offices on Truong Sa and Sinh Ton islands will be officially inaugurated, providing post, internet and telecommunication services and free books and newspapers to residents.-VNA