An exhibition featuring photos on China’s artificial island-buildingactivity at Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelagos inthe East Sea is running in the Republic of Korea (RoK) from May 31 toJune 15.

The exhibition, which was held by theAssociation of Korean People Loving Vietnam (VESAMO) in the RoK incollaboration with the Dongwon University, displays around 80 photos ofatolls and reefs in Hoang Sa and Truong Sa, which were taken before,during and after the time China began activities that changed the statequo in the area.

There are also old images and maps indicating the location of the two archipelagos in the East Sea.

Addressing at the opening ceremony, Chang Ho-ick, President ofVESAMO, emphasized that East Sea is a key international maritimetransport route and is rich in natural resources.

It has an extremely important geopolitical position to not onlycountries in the region but also all countries in the world, Chang said,adding that maintaining an environment of peace, stability andcooperation and development in the East Sea is the responsibility of allnations and is an important factor to ensuring peace, security andfreedom of navigation, aviation as well as international trade.

Chang said recently China has implemented many constructionactivities in Hoang Sa and Truong Sa, creating negative impacts on thesea environment, threatening coral reefs and biodiversity in the area.

He hoped that the exhibition will provide viewerswith a better understanding about what is happening in the East Sea,especially the changes of geographical structures in Hoang Sa and TruongSa Archipelagos.

Chang said via the eventVESAMO wants to deliver its message calling on relevant parties to endactions leading to tensions and unilateral actions that change thestatus quo in the East Sea.

It also hopes topromote goodwill and cooperation to preserve peace, stability, anddevelopment in the region as well as protecting the marine ecologicalenvironment and biodiversity in the East Sea.-VNA