VietNamNet Bridge - On June 19, Da Nang City People's Committee granted a Certificate of Merit for Mr. Tran Thang, 43, a Vietnamese in the US for painstakingly collecting historical maps, and contributing to affirm Vietnam's sovereignty over the islands of Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly).

80 Chinese maps show Truong Sa, Hoang Sa belonging to Vietnam

Mr. Tran Thang and the certificate of merit.

Da Nang Vice Chairman Phung Tan Viet highly appreciated Thang’s heart and effort in collecting ancient maps to help Da Nang in particular and Vietnam in general have more legal evidence for Vietnam’s struggle for its sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa. Da Nang authorities hoped that Thang will continue the collection and promotional of these materials to the international community.

On this occasion, Thang presented Da Nang with 10 original photos and two original ancient maps of "East India," published in London, drawn by the German cartographer Herman Moll, which specify Hoang Sa and Truong Sa in the territorial waters of Vietnam, and the ancient map of the "Chinese Empire" originating from the West which describes China's territorial claim extends only to the island of Hainan.

Previously, Thang bought three sets of Atlas, 135 maps and 170 map photographs published by many countries in the world, including China, to give to the Institute of Research and Economic Development of Da Nang.

Mr. Dang Cong Ngu, chairman of Hoang Sa island district (Da Nang), said the maps given by Thang were exhibited to serve the people and foreign visitors. The Ministry of Information and Communications also plans to exhibit the documents related to Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa in 10 provinces and cities nationwide, including the maps donated by Thang.

Le Ha