Vietnam has established and exercised its sovereignty over Hoang Sa
(Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos in a peaceful and
continuous manner in line with international law at least since the 17
th century.
The fact was proved by legal and historical
evidence which were presented to the delegates at an international
seminar on Vietnam ’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa
archipelagos held in central Quang Ngai province.
The two-day seminar, closed on April 28, brought together domestic and
foreign scholars and researchers from various countries including the
US , Russia , Canada , Switzerland , Australia , India , the
Republic of Korea and the Philippines .
During
their discussions, the delegates analysed these legal and historical
evidence, agreeing that Vietnam possesses the legal documents
affirming the states of Vietnam have established and exercised their
sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos at least since the
17 th century.
In his presentation, Jonathan D.
London, a professor from the City University of Hong Kong, pointed out
that China has no historical and legal evidence showing its
sovereignty over the two above archipelagos.
The professor added
that the official historical documents and maps published in the Chinese
Ming and Qing dynasties show China ’s territory ends at Hainan
island.
Many scholars slammed China ’s irrational
claim over a nine-dash ‘cow-tongue’ line in the East Sea , saying
the line is completely illegal as it has not yet been recognised by any
international laws.
They also criticised China ’s establishment
of the so-called Sansha city as violating Vietnam ’s sovereignty over
Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.
China ’s use of force to
occupy Hoang Sa archipelago in 1974 and several shoals on Truong Sa
archipelago in 1988 were an absolute violation of international law,
they stressed.
On April 28, the delegates visited Ly
Son island district and attended “Le khao le the linh Hoang Sa”, the
annual Feast and Commemoration Festival for Hoang Sa Soldiers.
The
traditional ceremony, taking place in An Vinh communal temple,
commemorated Hoang Sa Flotilla sailors who laid down their lives for
national island sovereignty.
“Le khao le the linh Hoang Sa” was
recognised as part of the national intangible heritage and the An Vinh
communal temple, as a national historical site.
According to Vietnam ’s feudal state history, the Hoang Sa Flotilla
was set up when the Nguyen Lords began their reign in the south of the
country.
Thousands of sailors overcame roaring
waves and storms to survey sea routes, plant milestones and erect steles
affirming national territory in Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos,
and mine marine resources ordered by Nguyen Lords. Their missions were
full of dangers, and many of them never returned to land.
To pay tribute to the men enlisted in the flotilla, “Le khao le the
linh Hoang Sa” has been observed through hundreds of years by families
in Ly Son islands and many coastal areas in Quang Ngai.-VNA