An exhibition of historical evidence proving Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos opened in the central city of Da Nang on January 19.

On display are nearly 150 maps and documents in traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and French languages issued by Vietnamese feudal states from the 17th to the early 20th century, all affirming Vietnam ’s sovereignty over these islands.

The exhibits were selected from diverse sources publicised by both domestic and foreign researchers and scholars, including 20 copies of Nguyen-dynasty official documents directly related to the country’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa.

A collection originating from China of four atlases and 30 maps indicate the fact that these islands did not historically belong to China-VNA