The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as part of the country’s goal of having the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted.

The act of allowing individuals onto features belonging to Vietnam’s sovereignty without the country's permission constitutes a violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty, complicates the situation, and runs counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), as well as ongoing efforts of nations in negotiating a Code of Conduct (COC) for the waters.

Each year, delegations of overseas Vietnamese are invited to visit Truong Sa (Spratly) as a gesture that underscores the deep national unity shared between Vietnamese at home and abroad. For many, it is not only a journey to the frontline of the nation’s sovereignty but also a symbolic return to their roots.

The trip, known as the "Great Solidarity Voyage," was an annual programme organised by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Navy Command since 2012.

The trip featured vibrant activities, including performances celebrating Vietnam’s seas, islands, homeland, and soldiers.

President of the Truong Sa Club Bui Thu Minh highlighted the group’s founding mission of "Connecting – Spreading – Accompanying Truong Sa". Since its establishment in April 2017, the club has worked to strengthen ties between overseas Vietnamese and the homeland, especially with those safeguarding Vietnam’s sovereignty over its sea and islands.

An exhibition spotlighting Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, alongside the 70-year legacy of the Vietnam People’s Navy in safeguarding the nation’s seas, opened in Cam Ranh city, the south central coastal province of Khanh Hoa on March 17.

The Truong Sa island clinic of the Naval Region 4’s Brigade 146 in Truong Sa district, the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, on March 10 received and provided emergency treatment to a fisherman injured while fishing in the Truong Sa waters.

For the first time, the display includes Nguyen Dynasty royal administrative documents and woodblocks, recognised by UNESCO as World Documentary Heritage.

Recently, military medical workers of the Song Tu Tay island infirmary have successfully provided first aid and treatment for many fishermen with health problems while fishing in the Truong Sa sea area.

Spring has fully blossomed across the islands of Truong Sa district, Khanh Hoa province. To ensure soldiers and residents in this island district can celebrate the Lunar New Year (Tet) with joy and peace of mind, a variety of cultural and sports activities have been organised.

As the sacred moment of transitioning from the old year to the new approaches, families across the country gather around the year-end meal. However, on the remote islands, soldiers continue to take turns patrolling and guarding. To ensure that these soldiers can also enjoy the New Year’s festivities, Sinh Ton island in Truong Sa district has organised special year-end meals for the troops.

The Naval Region 4 Command recently held a ceremony at Cam Ranh Port (Khanh Hoa province) to see off a delegation to visit and send New Year wishes to officers, soldiers, and people on the islands of Truong Sa (Spratly) district.

Vietnam resolutely and persistently pursues measures in line with international law, including 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to exercise its sovereignty over the Truong Sa (Spratly) as well as its sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and legitimate interests over its territorial waters, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on November 21.

A mobile exhibition titled “Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly): Historical and legal evidence” was opened at Le Loi Primary School in Krong Buk district, the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak on October 25.

A digital exhibition entitled “Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly): Historical and legal evidence”, and a book introduction event are being organised at Hai Xuan high school in Hai Hau district in the northern province of Nam Dinh on October 24 – 25.

A digital exhibition named “Vietnam’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa: Historical and legal evidence” is being held at Ly Thuong Kiet and Nguyen Truong To high schools in La Gi township, the south-central province of Binh Thuan, on October 3-4.

Sea shells can be found anywhere, but it is only in these remote islands that shell-shaped flowers hold such special meaning.

Amidst the relentless waves, Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago stands resilient with an indomitable spirit. There, the soldiers of the People's Navy of Vietnam vigilantly guard the nation’s sacred seas and islands day and night. Prepared to fight and win, they seize every opportunity to strengthen the archipelago’s defense while advancing its economic and social development.

Besides bang vuong (square-fruited Malabar Almond) tree, the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago is also home to two distinctive tree species: phong ba (Heliotropium foertherianum or sea lettuce) and bao tap (Scaevola taccada or soldierbush). These trees are known for their tenaciousness and resilience, showcasing unique beauty amidst the harsh conditions of the East Sea.