Nearly 200 documents and maps affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos are on display in the central province of Ha Tinh .

The week-long exhibition that opened on June 2 is part of the 2013 Vietnam ’s Sea and Island Week.

The exhibits include documents issued by the Vietnamese feudal states from the 17th century to the early 20th century, maps published by China and Western countries from the 16th century, and three atlases published in England , Germany and the US in the 1626-1980 period, which showed Hoang Sa and Truong Sa in Vietnam ’s territorial waters.

All the exhibits affirmed that Vietnamese states in history established and exercised their sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos. That was a long, continuous period recorded in historical documents of Vietnam and foreign countries.

Also on the display is a collection of sea shells taken by fishermen from Hoang Sa and Truong Sa sea area, showing vivid and significant evidence on Vietnam’s sovereignty over the two archipelago.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Do Quy Doan said the exhibition introduces 95 maps published by Vietnam, Western countries and China, 102 publications published in western countries and documents research. All documents attested that Vietnam established its sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa from early stage.

The exhibition aims to raise public awareness of solidarity and responsibility among people, especially the youth, in protecting and affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over the two archipelagos. It is also to affirm the importance of sea and islands in national construction and defence.-VNA