(VOVworld) – Historian Nguyen Nha began to research the history of the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes 40 years ago. His work has contributed significantly to Vietnam’s legal case for its maritime sovereignty. Huong Ly reports:
Nha was editor-in-chief of the History Journal at the Saigon University of Education when China occupied the Hoang Sa archipelago by force in June 1974. He then decided to release a series of monographs about Hoang Sa to help the public understand the truth. A year later, he held an exhibition to mark the 1st anniversary of the Hoang Sa incident, which featured documents and images proving that Hoang Sa belonged to Vietnam.
Nha has continued his research on the Hoang Sa archipelago until now. He has traveled across Vietnam to uncover proof of Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa. Nha is admired by his friends and other historians for his patience and painstaking efforts. Nguyen Trong Xuat, Secretary General of the board compiling the book “History of the southern resistance”, says: “Nha’s research area serves Vietnam’s defense of its maritime sovereignty. He has been cooperating with Ho Chi Minh city’s Social Science Research Council on many projects. He has a great passion for his work.”
Nha’s doctoral thesis was about the process whereby Vietnam established its sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa. Professor Phan Huy Le, President of the Vietnam Association of Historical Science, says: “Historians and researchers consider the research about Hoang Sa to be their responsibility toward the fatherland. There have been many outstanding research projects about Hoang Sa and Truong Sa including Nha’s doctoral thesis.”
Nha said because he has been researching Hoang Sa and Truong Sa for so many years, they have become an important part of him. He has been trying to spread his ideas among Vietnamese people and international friends, particularly young people to make them more aware of their responsibility to defend national sovereignty. Nha says: “I have posted my research projects on my website at hannguyennguyennha.com. The developments around Hoang Sa have rekindled young people’s patriotism.”
Nha was one of the first to research Hoang Sa and Truong Sa in Vietnam. He also initiated a movement on the East Sea with academic studies. He has been lobbying for the production of a 500-page document about the truth of Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa, which will be sent to schools nationwide. He also plans to present a book providing evidence of Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa to libraries in Vietnam and abroad. Director of the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh city Phan Thanh Binh says: “It is important that we systematize science and increase its value. Nha is truly a patriot.”
Nha’s works on Hoang Sa and Truong Sa are vivid evidence of his great love for the fatherland.