Tough fighters on Da Thi and Co Lin: A look at Vietnam's heroes!

Tough fighters on Da Thi and Co Lin: A look at Vietnam's heroes!

On May 11, 2025, the ship KN-290 with 231 delegates from the Ho Chi Minh City delegation set off for Da Thi Island in the Truong Sa Archipelago. After nearly two days on the water, the delegation reached the destination, known for its exposed location and harsh conditions. Da Thi is one of the most remote islands in the archipelago and is often exposed to strong winds and high waves. Here the delegates were warmly welcomed by the soldiers, to whom they presented gifts to express their appreciation. Among the soldiers was Tran Van Duong, a 25-year-old man who has been serving on the island for almost five months and has adapted to the challenges of life there. Duong was pleasantly surprised by the local conditions; he only missed the lack of internet.

But the delegation's journey continued to the island of Co Lin, which is completely under water at high tide. This island is just 3.8 nautical miles from Gac Ma Island, which gained notoriety when 64 Vietnamese soldiers died fighting for sovereignty in 1988. Nguyen Quoc Thang, a soldier born in 2005, is also stationed in Co Lin and speaks with pride of his service, while Major Nguyen Van Thang, who has been working there for nine months, reports the progressive improvements in living conditions. These missions give the soldiers a good feeling, as they not only have the duty to defend the country's borders, but are also active participants in sporting activities and self-sufficiency on the island.

Honoring the fallen soldiers

March 14, 1988 was a black day in the history of Viêt Nam when 64 soldiers lost their lives in the Gac Ma conflict. In the years that followed, these brave men received various honors. So the ship HQ-505, which served in combat as the only ship not sunk, was posthumously recognized as a Hero of the People's Armed Forces. It is a living symbol of Vietnamese determination and reminds civilians and soldiers alike of the need to defend the sovereignty of their homeland. Columns of incense sticks lit by youth from Quang Binh are another gesture of remembrance.

Soldiers in the Truong Sa Archipelago are determined to protect the sovereignty of Vietnam's coasts and islands. In doing so, they follow in the tradition of their fallen comrades and reaffirm their commitment to the fatherland. The younger generation of soldiers is characterized by a strong sense of patriotism and determination, which not only stands for their own country, but also for Vietnam's cultural identity.

Vietnam's sovereignty and international role

In recent years, Vietnam has taken decisive steps to strengthen its legal claims to the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos. According to international law and historical evidence, Vietnam has asserted its sovereign rights over these territories since at least the 17th century, which was reiterated by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang. Recent international tensions due to China's incursions into maritime areas have highlighted the need for a firm stance. Vietnam vigorously confronts violence and threats in international relations and reaffirms the protected status of its coasts through peaceful measures in accordance with international law. It is a sign of the effort to ensure peace and stability in the region.

The soldiers' deployment on the islands remains not just a war story, but a living testament to Vietnamese national pride and the unwavering will to stand up for the country's territorial rights. The delegation was able to honor the commitment and strength of the soldiers, which not only has legal significance in the sea areas, but also represents a sign for the coming generation: Here a people stands up for their identity, fighting against all odds.