Visitors at the exhibition

Fifty maps, dating back to the 15th century, that affirm Vietnam's sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes are on display at the Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum in Dien Bien Phu city.

Entitled 'Sea and Islands in the Heart of the Country', the exhibition showcases 50 old maps. Of the maps, six were drawn by Vietnam in the 15th century, 25 were drawn by Southeast Asian and Western countries in the 15th century, and 19 others were drawn and published by China since the outset of the 20th century.

All 50 maps describe Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes as within Vietnam's sovereignty.

The exhibition also includes nearly 100 photos depicting the activities of local people in support of the nation’s sea and islands.

During the exhibition, which runs until the end of June, the museum has raised a subscription to assist soldiers on duty to defend the national sea and islands.

Director of the Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum Vu Nam Hai said that through Vietnamese and international maps, the exhibition was expected to help visitors understand historical documents on the nation's sovereignty over its sea and islands.

The event is also an opportunity to educate the younger generation about patriotism, national pride and determination to protect national sovereignty, he noted.

Nhan Dan Online