The traditional ceremony held annually for hundreds of years on the island is a tribute to the sailor-soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country, and proves Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago.

Vietnam on June 23 denounced China’s illegal military exercise in Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, saying it was a serious violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty over the islands.

Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized the demand that China respect Vietnam’s sovereignty while replying to reporters’ question about China’s three-month fishing ban in the East Sea/South China Sea, including the waters of Vietnam, on April 29.