Hanoi (VNA) – A working delegation, including 68 overseas Vietnamese (OV) from 22 countries around the world, visited Truong Sa archipelago and DK1 Platform from April 24-30. The visit helped them understand the importance of the sacred national sovereignty over seas and islands as well as the sacrifice by naval officers and islanders for the protection of the national shield.
Located in the southern part of the East Sea, about 248 nautical miles from Cam Ranh city of the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, Truong Sa comprises more than 100 rocks, reefs, coral reefs and sand grounds, with major islands including Truong Sa, An Bang, Ba Binh, Nam Yet, Loai Ta, Thi Tu, Song Tu Dong, Song Tu Tay, Sinh Ton Dong, Len Dao, Da Dong B, and Da Tay A.
According to contemporary international law, Vietnam has established and exercised sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands. However, Vietnam's Hoang Sa archipelago was occupied by China using force in 1956 and 1974, and some reefs in the Truong Sa archipelago were captured in 1988.
Rear Admiral Pham Van Luyen, Vice Chairman of the Politics Department of the Vietnam People’s Navy, who is head of the delegation, said that the policy to send delegations from central agencies, localities and OVs to Truong Sa is a great encouragement for soldiers and islanders.
It is meaningful in educating people, especially Vietnamese communities abroad on the cause of national construction and defence in general and the cause of protecting national sovereignty over seas and island in particular, Luyen Said.
The officer said that through such trips, the awareness and sense of responsibility of delegation members have greatly improved after seeing and feeling the changes to the seas and islands. Resources have been mobilised for the construction and upgrade of works at sea and on islands, thus enhancing the capacity of forces performing the tasks of protecting the Fatherland’s sovereignty over seas and islands.
Luyen said the visits have provided a great encouragement to officers and soldiers based in Truong Sa as well as the islanders.
Cao Hong Vinh, member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnamese Association in Poland, Vice President of the Vietnamese Women’s Union in the European country and member of the Liaison Committee for Vietnamese people in Europe for Vietnam's islands and seas, said that she was moved and honoured to visit Truong Sa and the DK1 Platform.
She said that this is the second time she has visited the islands and platform, and was delighted at the positive changes in all fields there. Vinh said that she can feel the great determination of the whole Party, State, people and military in affirming the national sovereignty over the sacred seas.
Nguyen Manh Dong, Vice Chairman of the State Committee for OVs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the organisation of trips for OVs to Truong Sa and DK1 Platform aims to spread the love for the Fatherland among the Vietnamese communities abroad. It provides them with a chance to witness the determination and achievements of the Party and State, thus encouraging them to make contributions to affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over seas and islands.
The trips have also given OVs a chance to meet, exchange, and foster connections among them and with people and soldiers at home, contributing to strengthening the great national solidarity bloc.
Dong said that since 2012, 600 OVs from more than 40 countries and territories have visited Truong Sa and the DK1 Platform. They have donated nearly 30 billion VND (1.18 million USD) to the cause of protecting the national seas and islands./.
