On 20 January 2013, the first exhibition of historical documents proving Viet Nam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos opened at the Museum of Da Nang.  The exhibition lasted for one month and attracted about 10,000 visitors.  The event gave remarkable publicity to Viet Nam’s sovereignty over its sea and islands.

On display were a number of documents which were sourced after research conducted by the Da Nang Institute for Socio-Economic Development and the Hoang Sa Islands District People’s Committee between 2010 and 2012.  Of particular note, this was the first time that old maps which were donated by Mr Tran Thang, a Vietnamese-born American, had been on public display.

Some senior high school students viewing a map at an exhibition

Following the success of this exhibition, another one entitled “Paracels of Viet Nam - Historical Evidence” was opened at the Museum of Da Nang on 29 April 2013.  The purpose of the display was to help foreigners clearly understand Viet Nam’s sovereignty over its islands.

Mr Dang Van Tin from Ho Chi Minh City expresses his hopes in a comment book

Visiting the exhibition, Da Nang Today’s English Editor, Mrs Carole Kendal from the UK, recorded her thoughts in the visitors’ book:  “What a wonderful exhibition!  It introduced domestic and foreign visitors to valuable historical evidence proving Viet Nam’s legitimate claims.  I wish the country good luck in its ongoing pursuit of justice in this matter.  Like all those who live in, and love, this country I will always be a great supporter of Viet Nam.”.

The efforts to further publicity about Viet Nam’s sovereignty made by Da Nang’s residents received high appreciation from international friends.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications used all of the maps and documents which were displayed at the 2 above-mentioned exhibitions, plus ones archived by central agencies, to implement a publicity campaign for Viet Nam’s legal claims over the islands in 2013 and 2014.  In addition, an appraisement board which includes leading scholars and experts has already been established to assess the historical evidence.

The next similar exhibition will be held in Dak Lak Province, followed by other localities nationwide this year.  Exhibitions demonstrate Viet Nam’s unceasing righteous struggle for its legitimate sovereignty over its islands.