Top 10 Best Argumentative Essays on the National Islands and Seas (Grade 9)

"Our sea and sky, the islands sing with endless melodies,

With every wave that hits, a vast blue world is revealed,

The sea knows no bounds of love, the islands are the treasured fabric of our homeland,

Our ancestors built this land, and now it is our duty to protect it."

These are the lyrics from the song "National Islands and Seas," which beautifully illustrates the connection between our homeland and its seas and islands. Our ancestors expanded and built the nation, and now, it is our responsibility to preserve and defend our sovereignty over the seas and islands.

Vietnam is a coastal nation located on the western edge of the South China Sea, with significant geopolitical and economic importance that many other countries do not share. With a coastline over 3,260 km long, spanning from North to South, Vietnam ranks 27th among 157 coastal nations and territories globally. Out of 63 provinces and cities, 28 are coastal, with nearly half of the population living in these regions. Throughout Vietnam's millennia of history, the seas and islands have been integral to the nation's growth and the people’s development. The country boasts a vast marine space, providing livelihood for generations of Vietnamese people and contributing to the formation of Vietnamese culture. It is also the repository of the nation's cultural history, passed down over the ages.

The islands and seas play a crucial role in the nation's history. Throughout Vietnam’s development, the seas have been pivotal in creating living spaces, establishing a marine culture, fostering trade relations with neighboring countries, and asserting national sovereignty and security. The seas and islands are home to many fishermen, whose lives are intertwined with the challenges of the sea. This is also a vital source of tourism for cities like Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Vung Tau. With its rich marine ecosystem, Vietnam proudly stands as a captivating destination for travelers from all over the world.

However, the islands and seas are facing serious threats. First, there is the environmental pollution issue. Statistics show that around 70% of the waste entering the sea comes from land-based sources such as factories, residential areas, hospitals, and agricultural chemicals. These untreated wastes flow directly into rivers and ultimately into the sea, carrying large quantities of sediment, plastics, chemicals, metals, oil residues, and even radioactive materials.

Moreover, the lack of awareness among beachgoers who carelessly throw waste and plastic bottles into the sea without regard for the ecosystem further exacerbates the problem. Even more pressing is the security threat posed by other nations regarding the sovereignty of these seas and islands. Out there, military personnel stationed on remote islands are working day and night to safeguard the nation's independence and sovereignty, ensuring peace for all of us.

To protect the nation's islands and seas, I believe every student must equip themselves with knowledge about the islands, stay informed about environmental issues, and be aware of sovereignty matters concerning the Paracel and Spratly Islands. We should actively study national defense and security topics, prepare to undertake defense tasks, and participate in youth movements such as the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the Green Summer Campaign, and volunteer youth programs to assist remote coastal and border areas. Schools should organize contests to raise awareness about the national islands, fostering a deeper love for the homeland among students.

Each individual plays a vital role in contributing to the protection of the nation. Love for the homeland is not something that can be forced, but is a heartfelt connection nurtured through personal growth and development. As poet Do Trung Quan once wrote:

"When I was young, every day I walked to school,

I loved my homeland with each small page of my book."

"If the homeland is stormed by the sea

A part of its blood and flesh is at Hoang Sa

Thousands of years ago, I followed my father to the sea

Mother went to the forest, endlessly missing Truong Sa

The homeland flickers under the shadow of enemies

The children lay awake by the Truong Son mountain range

The sea of the homeland has never been peaceful

The sea laboriously, like a mother’s worn-out shirt."

Every time I read this poem by Nguyen Viet Chien, I feel a deep sense of yearning for the sea and the Hoang Sa – Truong Sa islands. I am filled with pride for the brave soldiers stationed on these distant islands, standing firm amid the vast ocean, ensuring peace for our homeland.

I was born in a time of peace, never having experienced the hardships of war. I have only learned about the glorious history of our nation through history books and the media. From these pages, I grew up with a deep sense of gratitude for our forefathers, for if not for the generations who fought valiantly in wars to defend the nation, I wouldn’t even be here today. Even though war is over and the country is now peaceful and thriving, the seas remain a source of constant threat from hostile forces. Therefore, the duty of the youth, of every citizen, becomes more important than ever.

And there, hundreds of nautical miles away, the soldiers on the islands, passionate young men with hearts full of love for their country, tirelessly face the ocean's storms day and night. They are the noble symbols of our nation today:

How much we love those who march forward

Two arms, like wings, ready to soar

Chests that dare to face the raging storms

Feet that tread through mud, unafraid of dangers!

Our coastline stretches over 3,260 km, from Mong Cai to Ca Mau. Out in the east, we have over 3,000 islands, large and small. From the days of the heroic army of Ly Son, who carried swords to mark our territorial waters, we have Hoang Sa and Truong Sa, with countless islands, both above and below the water. The sea, vast like a mother’s love, provides us with endless marine resources and beautiful natural landscapes. The sea continues to wave and embrace us with boundless affection. I also recall a memory with my grandfather, who, with a trembling voice, shared with me his recollections of the Battle of Gac Ma in 1988. It was a naval battle where our ancestors poured out their strength, fighting against the deceitful Chinese invaders.

In that battle, our soldiers gave up their youth for the independence and sovereignty of our country. Even as they sacrificed their lives, they held onto the national flag with resolve. Every year, ships still regularly transport missions to Truong Sa, and each time they pass Gac Ma, the Vietnamese people do not forget to lay wreaths in memory of the fallen heroes. These soldiers gave up their 20s for our country, and the entire nation will forever remember their sacrifice. My grandfather closes his eyes for a moment, then slowly opens them, gazing far away, as if in that distant gaze lies a silent love: the love for our sea and islands.

Today, in times of peace, hundreds of thousands of soldiers have left their personal lives, bidding farewell to their hometowns, to come to the islands, safeguarding the peaceful sleep of our people. Amidst scarcity and loneliness, these soldiers continue to stand firm on the islands, protecting the sacred skies and seas for which so many martyrs sacrificed their lives when they were still so young. Though the horrors of war have ceased, the plots of territorial aggression by neighboring countries are still brewing, and the waves of the sea continue to crash relentlessly.

These young soldiers are undeterred by the hardships, standing ready, guns in hand, with unwavering courage, facing danger head-on, bravely and steadfastly, in the vastness of the sea. I am reminded of the writer Nguyen Thanh Long, who brought readers into the world of a young man working as a meteorologist and geophysicist on top of Yen Son mountain. Despite the difficulties, he remained dedicated to his work, contributing to both labor and the defense of the nation. This shows that no matter how many obstacles and challenges lie ahead, the young soldiers, like the heroes of today’s islands, continue to train and cultivate the resolve and bravery needed to protect the homeland. This is the timeless beauty of the Vietnamese people, a nation:

Standing tall for four thousand years

Back carrying a sword, hands gentle as the brush

Bright and clear, with thoughts that are pure

Living with integrity and compassion for all.

(Huy Can)

Though I am filled with admiration and gratitude, it still feels insufficient. I yearn to wear the uniform of the island soldiers, to march through the distant islands. Yes! When the country calls, we must be ready to sacrifice.

The sea and islands of Vietnam have always been inseparable from the country’s identity, deeply tied to the physical and spiritual lives of its people. For thousands of years, the Vietnamese have fought to explore, claim, and defend these waters, willing to shed blood to preserve the nation's sovereignty.

Vietnam boasts a coastline stretching over 3,000 kilometers, with a continental shelf that spans more than a million square kilometers, three times the size of the country’s land area. Over 3,000 islands dot the Vietnamese seas. These waters hold immense resources, including valuable minerals such as oil (estimated at 3-4 billion tons), coal, iron, titanium, and glass sand, along with abundant marine life, with a stock of about 3-4 million tons. Notably, Vietnam’s sea and coastal areas sit strategically on key international shipping and air routes, making them essential for the country’s global economic integration.

Vietnam's waters also hold significant military value, serving as the eastern border and a critical access point for any potential foreign invaders. History shows that out of the 14 wars fought against Vietnam, 10 began at sea.

The sea is not only crucial to Vietnam’s economy but also to its cultural and spiritual heritage. The legendary stories of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, the historical victories at Bạch Đằng, Vân Đồn, Cồn Cỏ, and the Hồ Chí Minh Trail during the American resistance war are woven into the nation’s identity, continually fortifying the spirit of its people across generations.

However, for a long period, the true value and importance of the sea were not fully recognized. Many local governments, agencies, and forces operating at sea still fail to understand the strategic role of the maritime domain in the development and protection of the nation. There is also a lack of sufficient scientific research in this area.

To fully realize the potential of Vietnam’s seas, it is crucial to enhance awareness of their importance, both for national security and the livelihoods of the people. We must honor and preserve the values of these waters by focusing on sustainable development, responsible management, and environmental protection.

In particular, the current era demands a collective national effort to embrace the sea, to harness its wealth, and to assert Vietnam’s position as a strong maritime nation in the region. Alongside this, it is essential to strengthen our military forces to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty over these vital waters.

The seas are rich in natural resources and are the lifeblood of millions of Vietnamese citizens. They represent a key strategic domain for the nation’s security and prosperity. Thus, defending sovereignty and tapping into the full potential of our maritime territories is a duty that every Vietnamese must uphold for the future of the homeland.

To love one's country is to cherish the place where we were born, the path we take to school, and even the distant islands that serve as the frontline defenders of our homeland. The boundaries of our nation encompass not only the mainland, sky, and sea but also the far-off islands. As President Hồ Chí Minh once said, "In the past, we had night and forests. Today, we have day, sky, and sea. Our sea is long and beautiful. We must protect and preserve it."

From childhood, we have been soothed by the lullabies of our elders, speaking of a land blessed with forests and seas, a land of riches. As we grew older and learned more about our history, we developed a deeper love for every corner of our homeland. It is not just the land where we live or the expansive skies above but also the small islands far from shore, which form an essential defense system protecting our nation.

Indeed, the sea and islands are the very lifeblood of our nation. How fortunate we are to live in an era of peace. Yet, history shows us that out of the 14 wars fought to protect our sovereignty, 10 began at sea. This underscores the strategic importance of the sea in safeguarding our territorial integrity, especially for Vietnam, which holds one of the most vital shipping routes in the world.

The sea is not only a friend to humanity but also a great mother, nourishing the people. Countless fishing villages along the coast rely on the sea to sustain their livelihoods. The bountiful catches and sparkling salt fields are just a few of the priceless gifts the ocean offers. Beyond that, the sea also hosts vital military positions on islands like Hoàng Sa and Trường Sa, where brave soldiers stand guard, day and night, protecting the homeland.

The sea also serves as a silent witness to history, bearing witness to the sacrifices made for the independence and peace of the nation. The Con Dao prison, located on the Phú Quốc island, is a famous historical site, witnessing countless heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of the homeland. The sea may appear calm, but beneath its surface lie the sacrifices, written in blood and flowers. As one poet once wrote, "Oh, the sea of Vietnam, oh, the waves of Vietnam. Through all the trials, the fire has tempered the gold, and buried deep beneath, the sea sings a love song, telling the story of the homeland."

In modern life, the sea plays an even more significant role. Not only does it provide an abundance of resources such as seafood and oil, but it also offers a place for people to find peace after long days of labor. Additionally, it holds immense political importance. In recent years, many young generations have volunteered to serve on the islands, protecting our homeland. They truly set a shining example for the younger generations to continue the great tradition of patriotism.

Loving the country is an age-old tradition, cherished by all generations. It means appreciating even the simplest and smallest things. The love for our sea and islands is a vital part of this intense love for our homeland. As the younger generation, raised in an era of peace, we must continue to uphold this proud tradition, loving our land and sea. For the sea and islands are the vanguard that guards the heart of our nation.

Yuri Gagarin, the first person to orbit Earth, once shared: "After flying around Earth in a spacecraft, I realized how beautiful our planet is. Friends, let's protect and preserve its beauty, don't destroy it!".

However, our planet, which is 75% covered by seas and oceans, is facing serious threats. Instead of searching for another habitable planet in the galaxy, why not save Earth? The first step is to listen to the calls of the blue oceans.

The sea, like a nurturing mother, provides humanity with countless gifts—from tourism and minerals to seafood and transportation. Yet, the sea never asks for anything in return. On the contrary, humans have been unfair and ungrateful in their treatment of it.

It took humans hundreds of years to realize that the Earth is warming, polar ice is melting, and sea levels are rising. It took even longer to acknowledge that marine resources are depleting, with many species on the brink of extinction. Only when fish began dying in various places did people start asking whether the seas were polluted.

The vast ocean is now responding to humanity with anger through climate change. When actor Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar, he used the opportunity to send a message to the world: “This victory is a crucial moment for us all to pay attention to climate change and take action.”

Colder winters, hotter summers, rising sea levels causing saltwater intrusion and land contamination—all affect agriculture. More frequent and intense storms and tsunamis devastate everything in their path.

Many will never forget the heartfelt words of a 6-year-old girl before she was swept away by Typhoon Haiyan: "Mom, let go of me. Save yourself." Has the time come for humanity to save itself before it's too late?

For the sake of economic profits, humans are willing to destroy the marine environment. Some, in pursuit of small profits, sell products on beaches at tourist destinations, encouraging visitors to litter. Others, driven by larger profits, engage in mass fish killings using destructive methods. And still others, in search of even more profit, dump harmful chemicals into the ocean.

In truth, we are incurring massive debts that future generations will have to pay. For every dollar earned by exploiting the sea, we will have to spend thousands of times that amount to restore the environment.

The movie *The Mermaid*, inspired by a fairy tale, conveys a profound message: "When the world no longer has a single drop of clean water or fresh air, what good is money?"

I firmly believe in the butterfly effect—that "A butterfly flapping its wings in China can cause a storm in the Caribbean."

Even the smallest actions can create ripples as powerful as storms. Rather than just calling for help, let's stand up for the ocean and let it express its frustrations in its own way. It's time for us to take immediate action.

A single tree you plant on land can make the distant ocean calmer. Refusing to use plastic bags when shopping can help rid the world of a sea of garbage. Saving even a drop of fresh water can keep the sea from shedding tears—it's already salty enough.

Don't throw trash, waste energy, or cut down trees, then feel proud of donating a few hundred thousand VND to flood victims. Companies, don't dump toxic chemicals into the environment, only to later donate money to farmers suffering from the consequences of your own actions.

The sea will always protect humanity if we acknowledge our mistakes and are willing to correct them. After the storm, the sea will calm. Somewhere in the distance, a brighter future can be heard in the melody of *The Sea Sings Tonight* (composer Hồng Đăng):

Through all the ups and downs, tonight it is gentle.
Deep below, all the pain is buried.
The sea sings a love song, telling the story of the homeland.

In response to the national security challenges and the fate of the nation, we, the younger generation of Vietnam, must rise to our responsibilities with practical actions that support our country.

To safeguard the sovereignty over the sea and islands, young people, especially students, must first comprehend the importance of territorial sovereignty. It’s essential to study and deeply understand the sacred nature of our sea and island sovereignty, the invaluable heritage that our ancestors fought for, and the historical context of Vietnam, particularly regarding the Paracel and Spratly Islands. We must also learn about the consistent foreign policies of our government regarding the East Sea.

The Paracel and Spratly Islands – two legendary archipelagos – have been integral parts of Vietnam for centuries, enduring through numerous historical events. With over 3,260 km of coastline stretching from Mong Cai to Ha Tien, Vietnam is home to more than 3,000 islands. From the time the Ly Son warriors sailed to defend our sea to the present day, these islands, both large and small, have witnessed countless struggles. The sea, like a nurturing mother, offers us abundant resources, beautiful landscapes, and endless waves that crash lovingly on our shores. In 1988, there was a tragic battle at Gac Ma Island where our ancestors fought valiantly to protect our territorial integrity.

On these far-flung islands, our brave soldiers and fishermen risk their lives to defend the sovereignty of our homeland. They sacrifice their youth in the name of the nation’s independence, all while holding the flag of Vietnam high. Today, despite the peace and prosperity we enjoy, the threat of encroachment from hostile forces continues to loom over our seas. Therefore, the mission of the youth, especially young patriots, is to uphold the love for our country and our islands above all.

Amid these storms, every Vietnamese citizen, whether in the country or abroad, has shown their patriotism through concrete actions to protect our sea and islands. The common denominator is a heart full of passion and commitment, embodying the eternal spirit of the Vietnamese people: "Standing firm for 4,000 years/ With a sword at the back and a pen in hand/ Pure and bright, with thoughts on both shores/ Living bravely, with kindness and harmony." With gratitude and admiration for our ancestors, today’s youth stand under the flag of peace and must fully understand their duty and responsibility.

First and foremost, every young person must equip themselves with a deep understanding of the current situation in the East Sea and the just policies of our government. We must speak up for our sovereignty through peaceful means, understanding the critical role each individual plays in the fate of the country. To protect the Spratly Islands, youth organizations must lead with discipline, rallying to support the cause by donating resources and efforts to aid our homeland.

Youth should actively participate in legal forums on public platforms, both online and offline, to assert Vietnam’s sovereignty over our seas and islands. They must also strongly oppose and actively resist actions that violate this sovereignty. Young people are a vital emotional support for the soldiers on the islands, whether by sending letters of encouragement or offering moral support to help them maintain their determination in guarding our territorial waters.

Lastly, it’s crucial for the youth to continuously cultivate their moral character, engage in building a prosperous nation, and foster a strong sense of nationalism and unity, which will collectively safeguard our sea and island sovereignty. Furthermore, we must always be prepared to join the ongoing effort to protect our homeland’s islands, with all that we have.

If the four weeks of the competition were a journey to the "Homeland's Sea and Islands," then I am a traveler who has had truly wonderful experiences—not just by discovering fascinating things along the way, but also by sensing the changes that are awakening within.

Honestly, I started this journey with the goal of winning the prize rather than considering what I would learn. The tempting rewards painted a bright picture of fulfilling my desires and plans. What led me to embark on this journey was also the opportunity to test my abilities, curiosity, and the quick thinking needed as a young person through engaging in a competition with such a wide reach. And then...

The sections of the contest opened up with rich questions on topics about sea and islands across many fields: geography, history, economy, society... which made me immerse myself in researching and finding accurate answers. Unknowingly, I found myself drawn to the journey, but not by the expected reason—rather, it was the pull of words and the condensed information within them. Perhaps the feeling of grasping and realizing new knowledge is the true happiness of expanding one's understanding.

As the answers were revealed, the world I had not yet explored became clearer through specific and accurate images and information. The names of islands, people, and places appeared vividly, narrowing down the distant and unfamiliar to help me feel and understand my homeland more fully.

On this journey, I had the chance to revisit history with its years, landmarks, battles, and names that have all contributed to affirming that "Spratly and Paracel Islands belong to Vietnam." And so before me is the sea of my homeland, heavy with affection between the turbulence of the past and the serenity of today's new life:

"Oh Vietnam's sea, oh Vietnam's waves!

Through all the ups and downs, this evening still gentle,

Buried deep beneath the pain,

The sea sings its love song, telling the story of the homeland."

(The Sea Sings This Evening - Hong Dang)

From this discovery, love arose tenderly for these lands, even though I had never set foot there or met these people. I love the simple yet resolute nature of the fishermen who work day and night to enrich the homeland, I love the resilient beauty of the soldier "standing guard on the lonely island" keeping peace at the nation's border. I love how hearts can inspire with the wonderful resonance between the vast, beautiful sea sky and the hearts of the people:

"Never has it been as beautiful as today,

The mountains, water, sky, and our hearts are intoxicated,

The waves stretch along the sandy shore,

The distant islands listen to the sea's song."

(Your Love, the Sea - Nguyen Duc Toan)

I also love the story of "Building the Spratly Islands with Stones," the letters sent to the distant islands, and the deep and simple lesson of our ancestors, "Help each other, even if different, we are under the same roof." My love has reached the shores of my dreams...

One day, names like Spratly, Paracel, Phu Quoc... will no longer evoke a sense of distance for any Vietnamese citizen. The roads and bridges will extend like the love and strong connection between the mainland and the islands. The people across the country will eagerly await the boats carrying joy from every part of the homeland.

My students will have the chance to know more, understand more about the sea and islands through their English lessons and my stories. And then both I and they will feel proud and confident whenever we share with international friends about our homeland's sea and islands, just like Americans speak about Hawaii or South Koreans talk about Jeju Island.

Children across the country will sing with greater love for the songs from the distant sea, praising the beauty of people and life on the islands. Young people will eagerly contribute their energy and creativity to help Vietnam become a country "Strong in the sea—rich from the sea." Tourists will flock to my hometown's economic and tourist islands, coming to see the natural wonders and the sturdy constructions built by human hands on the beautiful islands. My dream is for the seas and islands of Vietnam to forever shine with wealth and beauty...

In the midst of this dream filled with vastness, excitement, and brightness, there is also a worry from a young girl who has grown in thought and awareness of the concept of homeland love. Has this change made me more conscious of the concerns I had never named before when watching news or hearing stories about the South China Sea?

While efforts are being made by the Party, the State, organizations, and individuals to affirm Vietnam's sovereignty over the sea and islands in the right direction, there are still misleading propaganda online, confusing and alarming many people. Will those who encounter this information be able to remain calm and view the issue in a comprehensive, positive, and constructive way, or will they only create negative attitudes that complicate matters further?

But I believe that love, pride, and concern will become strength when each Vietnamese person is ready to take action, putting in their small contributions through practical acts born of deep love for the homeland, national pride, and determination to protect the country's territorial integrity. Once this struggle becomes closer, deeper within each individual, the unity of a "resolute nation" will surely make history.

The contest has ended, but the journey named "Homeland's Sea and Islands" for me has only just begun as I truly realize and want to share all of these things. Because I believe that when love and passion spread, many companions will join me on this journey to turn dreams into reality.

The current situation of Vietnam's sea and islands is becoming more complicated, directly threatening the territorial sovereignty of the nation. Given the tense situation in the South China Sea, the question "What should youth do to protect the homeland?" has received considerable attention from young people in the context of the current maritime affairs.

The islands of Vietnam, including the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, belong to the Vietnamese people. This has been historically and scientifically proven. The available scientific and legal documents demonstrate the continuous process of exploration, occupation, and exercising sovereignty by Vietnam over these territories throughout history. However, in recent years, China has taken numerous actions that infringe on Vietnam's territorial sovereignty: arresting Vietnamese fishermen, attacking Vietnamese ships in Vietnam's waters, and audaciously constructing the Sansha city on the Hoang Sa archipelago...

These actions by China seriously violate Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands, infringe on Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and maritime jurisdiction, and violate the 2011 Vietnam-China Agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of maritime issues. They contradict the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the 10th-anniversary Joint Statement, further complicating the situation in the South China Sea.

To protect the sovereignty of the islands, youth and students need to study and deeply understand the sacred significance of the sea and island sovereignty, a sovereignty that our ancestors sacrificed blood and effort to establish. They should study Vietnam's history, particularly geographical history related to the sovereignty of these islands, including the history of the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos. They must also grasp the consistent foreign policy of the Party and the State regarding the South China Sea issue, along with the legal regime of the maritime zones according to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Youth should actively participate in legitimate forums through mass media, the internet, and other platforms to assert Vietnam's sovereignty over its sea and islands, while also vehemently denouncing and fighting against acts of aggression on Vietnam's maritime sovereignty.

Young people should support the soldiers defending the islands by sending letters to them, offering encouragement and strengthening their resolve to guard the seas and islands. An important aspect is constantly cultivating the qualities of the new Vietnamese citizen, actively participating in national development, fostering patriotism and solidarity. This collective strength will form a powerful force capable of protecting our country's sovereignty. Moreover, they should prepare mentally to directly participate in the ongoing mission of safeguarding the homeland's islands in any way possible.

The sea and islands of Vietnam are an inseparable part of the nation's sacred territory passed down from our ancestors. It is the duty of the youth, in particular, to safeguard this sacred land, as President Ho Chi Minh once said: "The Hung Kings founded the nation, and we, their descendants, must protect the country."

The sea and islands of our homeland are deeply ingrained in the hearts of every Vietnamese person. The seas of Vietnam, as well as the South China Sea, have become inseparable parts of our identity. For generations, the people of Vietnam have been closely tied to the sea, with our livelihoods depending on the sea and islands as we navigate the waters to assert sovereignty and defend our borders. The issue of maritime sovereignty is always at the forefront of national priorities, as protecting our seas and islands is equivalent to safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity and ensuring a prosperous future for all.

The maritime territory of Vietnam consists of two main components: the sea area and the system of islands and archipelagos. Vietnam’s sea area spans more than 1 million square kilometers and is divided into five distinct zones: internal waters, territorial waters, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone, and the continental shelf. The country has a coastline of 3,260 kilometers, shared by 28 coastal provinces and cities. Our seas border eight countries: China, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Singapore. Within this vast sea area lie over 4,000 islands, with Phu Quoc (Kien Giang) being the largest. Vietnam also claims the Hoang Sa (Da Nang) and Truong Sa (Khanh Hoa) archipelagos, along with 12 island districts in nine provinces.

Vietnam's sovereignty over its islands and seas has been recognized for centuries and has been an integral part of our territorial boundaries. The sea, along with the islands and archipelagos, forms the first line of defense for the mainland and provides the foundation for Vietnam's access to the vast oceans. Asserted sovereignty over our maritime territories serves as the basis for declaring control over the surrounding seas and continental shelf. However, the issue of maritime sovereignty remains highly complex due to unlawful encroachments by other nations on Vietnamese waters and islands, particularly regarding the dispute over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, with China being one of the most prominent countries exacerbating this issue. Despite this, thousands of historical documents prove that Vietnam has continuously exercised sovereignty over these islands since they were unclaimed lands. Vietnam has also consistently and peacefully asserted its sovereignty over its seas, islands, and archipelagos in line with international law.

Maritime sovereignty remains a contentious issue because countries surrounding the South China Sea recognize the strategic importance of this area. It serves as a critical international shipping route and is rich in natural resources, making it a focal point for disputes, exploitation, and encroachments by neighboring countries. In response to these disruptions and the negative impacts caused by these activities, Vietnam has persistently worked to resolve territorial disputes peacefully, based on the international legal framework that the United Nations and the global community have acknowledged. Vietnam has always asserted its indisputable sovereignty over its maritime territories, including the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, as well as its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in the South China Sea.

In recent years, disputes over sea and island territories have significantly impacted national security, peace, and the lives of those living in coastal and island areas. The Party and the State of Vietnam have always relied on international legal principles to engage in diplomatic discussions with neighboring countries, seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts and clarifying territorial claims. We continue to protect our national sovereignty, ensuring that every Vietnamese citizen is equipped with knowledge about our maritime territories and the sacredness of these islands. Moreover, we are actively seeking the support of the international community to affirm our rights in the South China Sea and to reinforce that Hoang Sa and Truong Sa belong to Vietnam.

We, the current generation, are fortunate to live in peace thanks to the sacrifices of our predecessors who fought to protect our homeland, our beloved sea, and islands. As such, it is our duty to study, work, and strive even harder to contribute to safeguarding our national sovereignty. We must equip ourselves with knowledge about our maritime rights, affirm Vietnam's sovereignty over these waters on the global stage, and stand firm against any actions that violate our rights over these islands and seas.

Vietnam is a beautiful and prosperous country, rich in cultural traditions, history, and the way of life of its people, as well as renowned for its natural resources. The country's fortunate position, blessed by nature, provides it with a rich and diverse biological system, a thriving forest ecosystem, and, importantly, many islands and archipelagos, all located in the area where the South China Sea passes through. This geographical advantage helps us to develop economically, but it also brings unforeseen challenges.

The South China Sea is a vast body of water, a marginal sea of the continent, and part of the Pacific Ocean. Also known as the South China Sea in English, it ranks fourth globally in size, covering approximately 3,447,000 km². The sea is home to many islands and archipelagos, including the Paracel and Spratly Islands, which have been under Vietnam's sovereignty for centuries. These islands hold significant economic value for the countries in the region and serve as a crucial maritime route between nations. The Gulf of Tonkin, part of the South China Sea, is also home to thousands of islands, including the famous Ha Long Bay, recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage site for its grandeur and beauty.

The South China Sea boasts a rich ecosystem with valuable marine life, which provides the primary livelihood for the coastal fishermen. Moreover, it serves as a vital transportation route with significant commercial, tourism, and national defense value for the country. Despite these enormous benefits, human activity is slowly depleting its resources, with waste and toxic pollutants being dumped into the sea, causing the water quality to deteriorate and threatening marine ecosystems.

Moreover, human greed continues to fuel conflicts over control of these resources. Recently, our neighbor China has not given up on using aggressive tactics to disrupt Vietnam's activities in the South China Sea to achieve its malicious goals. Human greed seems endless; when one thing is gained, people always desire more, and this perfectly describes China's actions. Despite being a developed nation with the world's largest population, China often relies on its numerical strength, military power, and economic and political might to intimidate its neighbors.

China has successfully used military force to seize the Paracel Islands, which rightfully belong to us, but it is not satisfied yet. Now, it has shifted its attention to the Spratly Islands, attempting to claim them as well. The situation has become more intense with China setting up oil rigs and engaging in numerous hostile acts in waters that belong to Vietnam, pushing the two nations to the brink of war. The Chinese government has deployed military vessels and warships to Vietnam's territorial waters, escalating tensions. Not content with that, they have also obstructed Vietnamese fishermen from working in these waters. They even resort to inciting the Vietnamese people to push our government into a defensive posture. However, thanks to our strategic military expertise, we have successfully handled these provocations, leaving China disappointed in its failure to achieve its objectives. China's insatiable greed continues as they persist in their plans to seize control of the South China Sea by any means necessary.

The issue of sovereignty over the South China Sea continues to evolve and seems far from a resolution. Yet, we must remain vigilant, alert, and proactive in safeguarding our sovereignty and preventing any foreign power from achieving its selfish goals. Historically, China has always harbored intentions to invade our country, seeking to subjugate and assimilate our people. However, their attempts have been thwarted by the unyielding spirit of the Vietnamese people. Throughout history, we have fought hard to regain and maintain our independence, and these efforts have been rewarded with peace and sovereignty. Now that we have achieved independence, we must remain cautious and aware of the ongoing threats posed by our "greedy neighbor." China employs various schemes to undermine our economy, targeting vulnerable citizens who lack knowledge and causing them to lose everything in agricultural ventures by artificially inflating product prices and then refusing to purchase once people invest heavily. Education is crucial to help our people avoid falling victim to these deceitful tactics.

The South China Sea holds immense value for the nation, and therefore, each of us must take responsibility in protecting our territorial waters. We should strive to acquire knowledge, remain alert to the enemies' schemes, and ensure we are physically fit and ready to defend our nation if disputes over maritime territories escalate. We must live healthily and conscientiously protect our marine environment and ecosystems, as it is also our collective duty.

Nature has endowed us with great treasures, including the "golden forests" and "silver seas," which are invaluable resources we must preserve and develop. In addition to safeguarding the sea, we must also protect our precious forest resources, which are the lungs of the Earth, providing us with fresh and healthy air.

In the modern era, the responsibility of each individual is crucial. Therefore, we must educate ourselves to become knowledgeable individuals, contributing to the nation's progress. As a student, I recognize that my responsibility is to continually learn, expand my understanding, and open opportunities to promote the beauty of our country, engage with friends from around the world, and share knowledge to serve the country.