A series of events will be held across Da Nang to mark the 40^th anniversary of the day China completed their military occupation of Viet Nam's Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands (19 January 1974).

A musical performance entitled “Singing about the Country's Sea and Islands” will take place at the city’s Eastern Sea Park in Son Tra District from 5.00pm - 9.00pm tomorrow (Saturday).  After the musical performance, a ceremony will be held to light 1,000 candles under the words “Hoang Sa” (Paracel).

An exhibition entitled “Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Archipelagos of Viet Nam - Historical Evidence” will be held at the Museum of Da Nang, 24 Tran Phu Street, from 19 - 25 January.  In addition to historic maps, artifacts and documents which show that the 2 archipelagos are integral parts of Viet Nam's territory, the display will feature the 10 best designs in the contest to design the Hoang Sa Exhibition House.  The winning design will be announced at the event.

A seminar entitled “Viet Nam's Sovereignty over Hoang Sa Archipelago” will be held at the Hoang Sa Hotel, on Duong Dinh Nghe Street, at 1.30pm on Sunday 19 January.  The event is expected to attract the participation of many history and law scholars nationwide.

A direct dialogue about the Chinese occupation in 1974 will be broadcast live on Da Nang Radio and Television at 8.00pm on Sunday 19 January.  Invited guests will be the Chairman of the Hoang Sa Islands District People's Committee, Mr Dang Cong Ngu, the Chairman of the city’s Historical Science Association, Mr Bui Van Tieng, and the Deputy Head of the local Institute for Socio-Economic Development, Dr Tran Duc Anh Son. 

The above-mentioned events aim to raise awareness among local residents about protecting the nation's legitimate sovereignty over the archipelago, as well as affirm the Vietnamese Party and State’s standpoint of safeguarding independence and national territorial sovereignty over Hoang Sa.  A great deal of attention from domestic and international media is expected.