A collection of documents and maps, considered as legal evidence proving Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes belong to Vietnam, are on display in the central province of Quang Nam.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan said that the exhibition aims to raise public awareness and responsibility of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty over the two archipelagoes.

The exhibits include 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 from the 17th to the early 20th century. All declare Vietnam ’s sovereignty over the two archipelagoes.

It also features copies of official documents issued by the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (from 1975 to now), showing Vietnam exploited, managed and exercised its sovereignty over the islands.

Notably, the exhibition showcases photos and objects depicting the law enforcement process of Vietnam ’s coast guard and fisheries surveillance forces following China ’s illegal placement of its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam ’s waters in early May.

The event will remain open to visitors till August 28./.