Travelogue from Truong Sa

1. Over the past few days, Delegation No. 8 has visited Truong Sa Lon, Da Lat, Da Tay, Truong Sa Dong, Da Dong, Phan Vinh islands and the submerged reef of Toc Tan, the easternmost point, 600km from the mainland, as part of its journey to visit and encourage officers, soldiers, and people of the Truong Sa archipelago. On April 25th, the delegation's leaders and some members also visited points A and C of Thuyen Chai Island and this morning visited the famous An Bang Island. A week has passed quickly since the delegation left Cat Lai Port, Ho Chi Minh City, to board the HQ 561 ship to the islands. The Naval Command organized this trip precisely during the solemn celebration of the 38th anniversary of the liberation of Truong Sa by the military and people of the islands. Many emotions were shared between the delegation's leaders and members with the officers, soldiers, and residents of the archipelago. Throughout the trip, every encounter was filled with radiant smiles, resounding songs, and equally poignant and emotional farewells.

Since 2005, the Naval Command has initiated the organization of delegations to visit, inspect, and encourage officers, soldiers, and people in Truong Sa. This year, they also plan to organize several trips for relatives of officers and soldiers in Truong Sa to visit the islands. Perhaps the soldiers in Truong Sa have become accustomed to these visits. However, these steadfast sons and daughters in this frontline maritime region still long for the embraces, affection, and warmth from the mainland, along with the heartfelt support of people across the country for Truong Sa.

Business trip itinerary

2. On the journey to Truong Sa, many nights the sea shook, and many members of the delegation stayed awake to be with Truong Sa, to be with the island's defenders. Amidst the endless waves of the ocean, I kept thinking about the nation's historical journey. Our ancestors expanded the territory, asserting our borders in the West while simultaneously undertaking tireless expeditions to the South, the Mekong Delta. In this heroic, proud, and wise national process, we too have advanced towards the sea, towards the vast ocean. Our forefathers have overcome themselves, transcended traditional institutions, the constraints of the agricultural system, the narrow confines of villages, and the delta mindset to reach the boundless ocean. We will forever be proud of the legends associated with the founding of our nation. Even back then, in history, Vietnamese culture already contained elements of the ocean, of a maritime cultural tradition. In the cosmological thinking of prehistoric times, the ancients recognized and confirmed the empathy and consciousness of the sea regarding the ebb and flow of the sea; about major migrations and relocations; about the capacity to explore and conquer nature; and the extremely close and intimate connection between the sea and the land. In the formation of the nation, the sea and ocean were not only a living environment but also a cultural exchange environment for ancient communities in all three regions of Vietnam: North, Central, and South.

3. More than half a century has passed since our entire nation had to struggle to wage the war of national liberation. Among the troops marching along the Truong Son mountain range back then were our fathers' and brothers' generations. In their letters home, the soldiers of yesteryear wrote about the majestic Truong Son range, its natural beauty, its rich flora and fauna, and the sounds of the mountains and forests that those of us raised in the lowlands had never heard or experienced.

In 1975, with the great victory and national reunification, we not only restored national independence and gained control of vast territories from Mục Nam Quan to Cà Mau Cape, but also acquired the expansive East Sea. Deeply aware of the importance and significance of our maritime territories, during the days when the entire nation concentrated its efforts on the historic campaign named after President Ho Chi Minh, and the whole world watched Vietnam witnessing the strategic retreat of the Americans and the escape of the Saigon government, under the direction of the Politburo and the Central Military Commission, our naval soldiers secretly, unexpectedly, and bravely advanced to liberate Trường Sa. Vietnamese sovereignty was affirmed in the midst of the turbulent East Sea. Thanks to this, we were able to control a vast maritime area of ​​over 1 million square kilometers, three times the size of our landmass.

Sunrise on Truong Sa Island, 5:33 AM, April 21, 2013.

Relying on the majestic Truong Son mountain range and the strengths of the deltas, in the current process of Doi Moi (Renovation), industrialization, modernization, and international integration, the entire nation is venturing out to sea, integrating with the ocean environment. We have made and are making great efforts to develop the marine economy, establishing offshore fishing fleets, developing shipbuilding and maritime transport industries, organizing maritime services, developing marine tourism, etc. By mastering the open sea, we can not only exploit oil and gas (an industry that brings important revenue to the country), but also have more opportunities and conditions to open the nation's doors to the region and the world. Although there are still many difficulties and challenges, storms and dangers can occur unexpectedly in the East Sea, the nation's strength is rising, and Vietnam has escaped the list of poor countries to confidently integrate with the world. In the long term, we have gradually mastered advanced scientific and technological achievements to conduct marine exploration and exploitation, and develop the marine economy. Marine science and technology, including marine biotechnology and marine energy development, are increasingly valued, and in the future, when "traditional" resources are no longer abundant, new scientific and technological fields will become the development prospects for Vietnam and many countries around the world.

The country has undergone many changes since the events of April 30th. Today's sentiment towards Truong Sa reflects the shared feelings of the nation and the heroic spirit of the Truong Son Mountains of yesteryear; it embodies the will and determination to open the Ho Chi Minh Trail on the sea, as well as the unwavering spirit and loyalty of generations of officers and soldiers ready to dedicate themselves and sacrifice for the sovereignty of the islands and for the future development of the country.

Preparing to go to Truong Sa Island. Morning of April 21, 2013.

4. Upon arriving in Truong Sa, each member of the Task Force No. 8 wanted to bring back souvenirs from the sea. A small coral branch, sea snails, a square-fruited Terminalia catappa… each famous specialty of Truong Sa became precious to those who came from the mainland to the islands. However, following the instructions of the delegation's commander, to protect the green space of the islands and for the sustainable development of the environment, all members of the delegation raced against time, diligently capturing images and imprinting in their memories the natural beauty and strange allure of the coral reefs, the schools of fish, and the rich and diverse aquatic flora and fauna of Truong Sa. Occasionally in Truong Sa, schools of dolphins would surface to play in the waves, swimming around the ship, and sometimes they seemed to want to lead the ship out to the deep blue ocean. They are intelligent animals, extremely friendly to humans. Fishermen love, trust, and often rely on them.

The ecosystem and immense potential of the East Sea, the Spratly Islands, and the Paracel Islands are gifts from nature to courageous people. However, as we understand it today, even the vast resources of the ocean are not inexhaustible. We need to strengthen international cooperation to implement a sound maritime strategy. The sea and the ocean need people who understand it and live in harmony with it. We must exploit nature while also considering its regenerative capacity and maintaining the balance of the natural world. Generations of Vietnamese people have lived in harmony with nature, and nature has sustained human life. This is the experience and knowledge passed down through generations by our ancestors, and it is also the humanistic philosophy of life and development shared by the international community today.

Visiting the Spratly Islands, I am reminded of the valuable records of the 18th-century scholar Le Quy Don. In his famous work "Phu Bien Tap Luc," the author revealed that from the time of Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, Nguyen Phuc Lan, Nguyen Phuc Chu, and others, the Nguyen lords organized the Hoang Sa and Bac Hai fleets and sent them to exploit natural resources and collect goods from merchant ships passing through the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa seas. Visiting the Truong Sa islands, we sometimes still see the wrecks of sunken ships. We are not yet clear and do not have the means to specifically investigate the history of these ships to determine who their owners were? What type of ships were they: fishing boats, transport ships, merchant ships, or exploration vessels that sank? And, when did they first appear in Truong Sa, what were the causes, etc.? But what is certain is that, for centuries, the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa seas have been part of one of the main routes of the Asian maritime trade system. According to Western merchants and sailors, the ocean routes around the Paracel and Spratly Islands, while offering advantages for anchoring ships and avoiding storms, also harbor many dangers, especially the unpredictable movements of eddies, ocean currents, and the appearance and disappearance of submerged coral reefs. It is certain that many shipwrecks still lie beneath the waters of the Spratly Islands. Recent discoveries in Cu Lao Cham, and in the waters of Quang Ngai, Binh Thuan, and Ca Mau... have prompted us to urgently develop marine research sciences, including: marine history, marine management science, underwater archaeology, geological research, environmental research... and above all, to coordinate efforts to establish a national marine research institute based on an interdisciplinary approach. This would link expert training with research, focusing on fundamental issues, proposing policies and solutions to address major ocean problems, and simultaneously contributing to the future development of the country in an objective and comprehensive manner.

Despite the many upheavals of history, the sea and oceans remain inextricably linked to the nation's journey. We always appreciate the majestic beauty and immense economic potential of the ocean, but we also clearly understand that modern people still do not fully grasp its nature and the laws governing its movement and creation. Realizing the Maritime Strategy through concrete policies is an urgent requirement facing all levels of government, agencies, universities, and research institutes in Vietnam today.

5. Joining the delegation were Rear Admiral Nguyen Van Ninh, Deputy Commander of the Navy; Pham Manh Hung, Deputy Minister of Education and Training; Le Duc Vinh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa Province; Nguyen Van Tri, Vice Chairman of the People's Council of Vinh Phuc Province; Phan Tuan Hung, Deputy Commander of the 4th Naval Region; Nguyen Viet Thuan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Truong Sa District; Deputy Commander of the 146th Naval Brigade; and many other senior leaders and experts from various ministries, departments, provinces, scientists, artists, businesses, journalists, and social activists. Among the more than 200 members of the delegation to Truong Sa, there were also students from many universities. Their participation brought many emotions, joy, and youthful experiences to the islands.

Notably, the delegation also included former Vice President Truong My Hoa. She enthusiastically attended the meeting to discuss and implement the delegation's work plan at the Naval Guest House 1A Ton Duc Thang on the afternoon of April 18th. The following morning, starting at 5 a.m., the former Vice President personally went to Cat Lai port to attend the departure ceremony and encourage the officers and soldiers. At 10 a.m. on April 21st, Ms. Truong My Hoa and several members of the delegation went to the island to deliver a speech at the inauguration of Truong Sa Primary School. The school was built thanks to the initiative and enthusiastic contributions of members and supporters of the Vu A Dinh Fund, of which she is the Chairwoman and Head of the Steering Committee for the "For the Beloved Students of Truong Sa" Program. The generosity of the members of the Vu A Dinh Fund, in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City Law Newspaper, has brought Truong Sa its first school in this island region.

Former Vice President Truong My Hoa (right) visits a classroom at Truong Sa Town Primary School on April 21, 2013.

Thus, along with the event of the government and people of Vinh Tuong district, Vinh Phuc province, bringing the Jade Buddha to Truong Sa with the solemn presence of provincial leaders, Venerable Thich Nguyen Cao and a number of monks, the inauguration of the new, spacious school in the island region, with the participation of Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Manh Hung, Khanh Hoa provincial leader Le Duc Vinh and all members of the delegation, has become a cultural and political milestone in Truong Sa. After the inauguration ceremony, former Vice President and Deputy Minister Pham Manh Hung and the delegation leaders visited each classroom, examining the textbooks, library, and learning materials for the students. Cultural institutions in Truong Sa are becoming increasingly complete, contributing practically to the realization of a major policy of the Party, State, Ministry of National Defense and the Naval Command on civilianizing activities in the island regions.

Throughout the trip, what each member of the delegation noticed and admired was the organizational spirit, discipline, fighting will, and dedication of the soldiers on board the HQ 561, as well as of all the officers and soldiers on the islands. In conversations with the soldiers on Truong Sa Lon, Da Lat, Truong Sa Dong, Da Dong, Phan Vinh, Toc Tan, Thuyen Chai, An Bang islands, etc., they were always warm and sincere, but also highly conscious of upholding military principles and discipline. They came from many different places: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, provinces in the South Central and Southern regions... their backgrounds and accents varied, but all shared a common ruggedness and resolute spirit, their skin tanned by the sea waves and winds. From commanding officers who have spent 30 years serving on the islands to new recruits who have only been there for a few months, they all share the same ideal, the same belief, and the same spirit of readiness to sacrifice for the sacred sovereignty of the country.

Vegetable garden on Phan Vinh Island. April 24, 2013.

But, as the old saying goes, "Every tree has its own flower, every family has its own story," those guarding remote islands, while fulfilling their responsibility to protect national sovereignty, surely always remember their homeland, their warm family, and long to hear the laughter of their children. Viettel's network and relatively frequent transportation services have connected the mainland with the islands. However, it is also difficult for them to fully fulfill their responsibilities as husbands and sons when their parents or loved ones experience unforeseen circumstances, fatigue, or illness! It is difficult to fully express or write about the silent efforts and sacrifices they make in their daily work to maintain peace for the country, ensure a favorable environment for the implementation of scientific research projects, economic development, and programs combining economic and defense aspects, while simultaneously building a system of security and welfare, fostering trust so that fishermen can confidently sail far out to sea, stay at sea, and fish for extended periods.

What we always felt was that from Rear Admiral Nguyen Van Ninh, Deputy Commander of Region 4 Phan Tuan Hung, the officers reinforced by the Naval Command, to the commanding officers on the islands and on the HQ 561 ship, they all displayed the excellent qualities of commanders, the soldiers of Uncle Ho. They not only possessed sharp military thinking, the ability to analyze and handle situations decisively and accurately, and a deep understanding of the challenges and changes in regional political life, but also a thorough understanding of the cycles of each tide and channel leading to and from the islands, and a deep understanding of the feelings and family circumstances of each officer and soldier on the islands and offshore platforms, even the most remote ones. Watching how they communicated with their comrades, exchanged information, and directed specific tasks on each island… we always felt that a sacred, blood-related bond had long been formed between them and the officers and soldiers on the islands.

Boat enters DK1-20 platform. April 27, 2013.

In Truong Sa, I am reminded of the famous saying of the military strategist and world cultural figure Nguyen Trai: "The officers and soldiers are united in filial devotion – sharing the sweet taste of the river and wine." The naval commanders understood and cared for their troops so well! The strength of Truong Sa today, the peace of the islands and seas, is not only due to the Party's attention and leadership, the strength of the entire army and people; diplomatic campaigns and struggles; the organization and coordination of combat readiness between the Navy and other branches of the armed forces; knowledge, technology, and modern weapons, but also the responsibility and close bond between the officers and soldiers of the heroic Navy. This responsibility and affection have forged unwavering faith, creating a solid wall in the East Sea by those who guard the islands and seas.