A book stating the undisputable case for Vietnam’s sovereignty overHoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes in the East Seamade its debut in Ho Chi Minh City on June 3 on the occasion ofVietnam’s Sea and Island Week.

The eight-chapter bookpresents the historic establishment and development of the nation’sislands in the past and at present.

It also introducesdocuments and ancient maps collected by geographers and historians ofVietnam and other countries, including China.

ResearcherNguyen Dinh Dau, the author of the book, said he has spent over 50 yearscollecting and studying more than 3,000 maps dating back 500 years, allof which demonstrate Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Saarchipelagoes.

Phan Thanh Binh, Director of the Ho Chi MinhCity National University, said the analysis of these ancient documents,notes, maps, and nautical charts in the book will help reinforce thehistorical evidence confirming Vietnam’s sea and island sovereignty,which has been largely recognised by the international community.

An exhibition showcasing 93 maps of Nguyen Dinh Dau also opened inthe city on June 3 as part of the Sea and Island Week. The event willrun until June 8.

Vietnam has established and exercised itssovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes in a peaceful andcontinuous manner in line with international law at least since the 17thcentury.

According to Vietnam’s feudal state history,thousands of sailors overcame roaring waves and storms to survey searoutes, plant milestones and erect steles affirming national territoryin Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, and mined marine resources onthe orders of the ruling Nguyen Lords. Their missions were full ofdangers, and many of them never returned to land.-VNA