Nearly 500 young people in the northern province of Nam Dinh gathered on July 14 to hear the tradition of the Vietnam People’s Navy as well as the sea and island sovereignty protection strategy, especially after China illegally placed its drilling rig inside Vietnam’s waters.

This was one of practical activities held by the local youth towards the 50 th anniversary of the first victory of the Vietnam People’s Navy.

On August 2 and 5, 1964, the Vietnamese navy attacked the US destroyer Maddox in the Tonkin Gulf, shot down eight aircraft and arrested the first US pilot Everett Alvarez in northern Vietnam, starting the force’s tradition of “Winning the first battle”.

Participants were also briefed about the current national and regional situation, China’s illegal placement of its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s waters, as well as the policies and viewpoints of the Party and State in dealing with the East Sea issue.

The event offered a good chance to raise young people’s awareness, understanding, solidarity and responsibility in safeguarding and affirming the sacred national sovereignty over seas and islands.

On this occasion, the Naval Service and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union’s Nam Dinh chapter presented 12 gifts to fishermen and families whose members are defending the national sovereignty.-VNA