The Sinh Ton Island is one of the three communes, towns of Truong Sa Island District, Khanh Hoa Province. Alongside military units, there are civilian households living on the island. The island boasts various civilian, spiritual and cultural works such as community centres, meteorological stations, schools, medical stations, commune-based People's Committee headquarters and wharves.

The headquarters of Sinh Ton Commune-based People's Committee, Truong Sa District, Khanh Hoa Province. Photo: TRIEU TUNG

Sinh Ton is one of the first five islands in the Truong Sa Archipelago liberated on April 28, 1975. It was surrounded by a wide stretch of sandy ranging from 5m to 10m. There are long stretches of sandy dunes at both ends of the island in the East-West direction.

The Sinh Ton Island is interspersed among our country's islands and those illegally occupied by foreign nations. Islands under our country's sovereignty include Nam Yet Island which is 17 nautical miles to the north; CoLin Island, 8 nautical miles to the southwest; Len Dao Island, 6 nautical miles to the southeast; and Sinh Ton Dong Island, 14 nautical miles to the east.

The island's terrain consists of solely sand and coral, with tree species that can be planted including barringtonia asiatica and noni trees, sea morning glory, and various fruit trees such as lime, squash, pumpkin, and gourd. The dominant strong seawater-resistant trees on the island are barringtonia asiatica, coconut, and tamanu.

The navy soldiers and civilians on Sinh Ton Island, Truong Sa Archipelago, warmly welcomed a delegation from Da Nang for a visit in April 2024. Photo: TRIEU TUNG

The Sinh Ton Island is one of the three islands in the Truong Sa Archipelago to have commune-based People's Committee offices, schools, and civilian households. It also features wharves for fishermen to seek refuge from storms and engage in seafood fishing, with a capacity of 60-70 boats.

Additionally, the island is equipped with rescue and relief resources to address emergencies, alongside involvement in a fishing village project to support the economic development of the fishing industry.

According to the leaders of Sinh Ton Island Commune, Sinh Ton Island holds an immensely strategic position in the Truong Sa Archipelago, akin to a shield, a frontline bastion amidst the vast East Sea. Consequently, the officers, soldiers, and people on the island firmly believe that Sinh Ton will endure perpetually to safeguard the sacred seas and skies of the homeland.

The fishing wharf on the Sinh Ton Island. Photo: TRIEU TUNG

In April 2024, when a delegation from Da Nang visited the island aboard the Fisheries Inspection ship (KN 390), the weather was calm. The Sinh Ton Island emerged in the dawn as a strip of land enveloped in green foliage. Towering coconut palms, clusters of screw pines, and faint outlines of casuarina trees dotted the landscape.

Engaging with officials, soldiers, and residents of the Sinh Ton Island Commune, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People's Council Nguyen Thi Anh Thi stated, "We will never forget the sacrifices of our forefathers and soldiers who fell down while defending the homeland's islands, always grateful for the contributions of the officers and soldiers who tirelessly guard the beloved Truong Sa Archipelago in general, and the Sinh Ton Island in particular".

Rear Admiral Pham Van Hung, Deputy Chief of the Staff of the Viet Nam People's Navy, (right) and Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People's Council Nguyen Thi Anh Thi (left) listening to the report about the work and life of navy soldiers and civilians on the Sinh Ton Island. Photo: TRIEU TUNG

In recent years, navy soldiers and civilians on the Sinh Ton Island have achieved many proud results thanks to their great efforts to overcome difficulties, and the special care of the Party, the State, localities, and people nationwide. Officers and soldiers on the island consistently monitor objectives within their jurisdiction, effectively carrying out treatment and healthcare for soldiers and civilians on the island.

Amidst myriad challenges, the Sinh Ton Island remains steadfast at the forefront, like a stalwart shield against the waves and winds. Just as poet Ho Tinh Tam penned in his verses:

For Truong Sa

"An archipelago of thousands of years beckons now

As birds fly to take shelter from storms.

Where footprints pave the way,

Of ancestors surviving through generations...".

The officers, soldiers, and people on Sinh Ton Island also diligently uphold the cherished teachings of beloved Uncle Ho during his visit to the Navy in 1961: "In the past, we only had nights and forests. Today we have days, skies, and seas. Our coastline is long and beautiful, we must preserve it".

Navy soldiers on the island with firm hands on their guns, ready to defend the sovereignty of the seas and islands in all situations. Photo: TRIEU TUNG

The coordinated activities of Co Lin, Len Dao, and Sinh Ton Dong islands are all thanks to the close and effective collaboration of the military and civilians on the Sinh Ton Island. Amidst the thousand waves and winds, against the cunning schemes of foreign powers, the Sinh Ton Island remains an indomitable bastion of the homeland.

Reporting by TRIEU TUNG - Translating T.VY