Historical evidence proving Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos was exhibited in the central province of Quang Ngai on July 1.

Co-organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications and stakeholders, the event aims to raise awareness, unity and a sense of responsibility of Vietnamese people in and outside the country, especially youngsters, in protecting and affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over the two archipelagoes.

On display were copies of ancient maps and atlases, and documents in traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and French languages issued by Vietnamese feudal states and the French colonial empire in Indochina countries from the 17th to the early 20th century. All declare Vietnam’s sovereignty over the two archipelagoes.

Notably, the exhibition featured a range of official documents issued by the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) and the Republic of Vietnam (1954-1975), showing Vietnam exploited, managed and exercised its sovereignty over the islands.

Six collections of valuable atlases, selected and issued by Belgian geographer Philippe Vandermaelen (1795-1869), also indicate Vietnam’s sovereignty over both archipelagoes.

At the event, these maps and documents exhibited were presented to Quang Ngai.

They will then be displayed at an exhibition room in Ly Son island district on July 2.-VNA