Vietnamese Diaspora Contributes $63,500 to Green Truong Sa

The Navy High Command has received a donation of VND 1.55 billion (USD 63,500) from overseas Vietnamese (OV) for the “Greening Truong Sa” program, according to VNA. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang presented the donation during a visit to congratulate the Navy High Command in Hai Phong ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Soldiers plant trees in the Truong Sa island. Photo: VNA

The “Greening Truong Sa” program, initiated by the Vietnam People’s Navy in 2023, has successfully implemented various models to create green, clean, and beautiful landscapes on the islands. These efforts have proved highly effective in enhancing the natural environment, providing shaded walkways, and supplementing the food supply for officers and soldiers stationed on the islands.

The navy officers and soldiers have proactively researched and adapted to the unique climate and soil conditions on the islands, successfully cultivating and nurturing a variety of plants.

Trees in Truong Sa not only contribute to the aesthetic beauty of the islands, but also play a crucial role in regulating the climate, providing shade, and offering protection against strong winds and storms. They significantly contribute to the defense and combat readiness of the military personnel and local inhabitants on the island.

Deputy Minister Hang, who is also the Chairwoman of the State Committee for OV Affairs, highlighted that from 2012 to 2023, the overseas Vietnamese community has donated over VND 28 billion (USD 1.14 million) for the construction of patrol canoes and facilities, as well as providing essential supplies and gifts to the soldiers and residents on the islands and the DK1 platforms, which are scientific and technical stations on the southern continental shelf.

In addition to their financial contributions, overseas Vietnamese have played an important role in safeguarding the country’s maritime sovereignty throughout the years. They have established organizations such as the Vietnamese People’s Fund for Seas and Island Sovereignty in the Republic of Korea in 2015, the Truong Sa Club in Germany in 2017, the Hoang Sa – Truong Sa Club in Poland in 2019, and another in the Czech Republic in 2022. Furthermore, they have organized various workshops and forums addressing the issues of the East Sea,” Deputy Minister Hang added.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang presents the Navy High Command with the sum donated by overseas Vietnamese to the “Greening Truong Sa” program.

Having visited Truong Sa, overseas Vietnamese have become a key force in supporting the islands. They have made substantive contributions by establishing the Vietnamese People’s Fund for Seas and Island Sovereignty in the Republic of Korea in 2015, the Truong Sa Club in Germany in 2017, along with the Hoang Sa – Truong Sa Club in Poland in 2019 and the Czech Republic in 2022. Additionally, they have conducted numerous workshops and forums on the East Sea,” Deputy Minister Hang said.

Deputy Minister Hang expressed her gratitude to the leaders of the Navy High Command and related units for facilitating successful visits to Truong Sa for OV Affairs staff members and OV representatives. She expressed her confidence that the navy officers and soldiers will continue to fulfill their duties in safeguarding maritime sovereignty, peace, and security.

Rear Admiral Do Van Yen, Deputy Political Commissar of the navy force, pledged to continue close coordination with the State Committee to organize more trips to Truong Sa for overseas Vietnamese. He appreciated the ongoing support of the overseas Vietnamese community, as their material and spiritual assistance has become a source of encouragement for the soldiers and residents of Truong Sa in defending the country’s sacred territorial waters.