Hanoi (VNA) ꧟- Each year, delegations of overseas Vietnamese (OVs) are invited to visit Truong Sa (Spratly) as a gesture that underscores the deep national unity shared between Vietnamese at home and abroad. For many, it is not only a journey to the frontline of the nation’s sovereignty but also a symbolic return to their roots.

A recent voyage to the archipelago brought together over 60 Vietnamese expatriates from 24 countries and territories. The trip formed part of a broader effort by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Navy, to strengthen national solidarity and reaffirm the overseas community’s connection to the homeland. The visit coincided with major national anniversaries including 80 years since the founding of the nation, 50 years since the reunification of the country and the liberation of Truong Sa, and 70 years of the Vietnam People's Navy. The visit helped to reinforce patriotic sentiment and shared responsibility for national development and maritime sovereignty.

Speaking with VietnamPlus, head of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Nguyen Trung Kien emphasised the meaningful impact of such journeys. He noted that with each trip, the overseas Vietnamese community gains a deeper insight into the sacrifices made by naval officers and soldiers. They also witnessed firsthand the growing vitality of the islands from improved infrastructure to greener landscapes. One key highlight of this year's voyage was the opening of Rainbow Park (Cong vien Cau Vong) on Da Tay A Island, a joint initiative led by the Vietnamese community in the Republic of Korea (RoK). The park provides a recreational space for children on the island and reflects the growing contributions of overseas Vietnamese to life on Truong Sa. A similar park had previously been built on Truong Sa Lon Island. These initiatives reflect how expatriates are playing an active role in improving living conditions for soldiers and residents on the archipelago.

Delegates were particularly moved by the greenery now present on the islands, a sign of both the resilience of those stationed there and the collective contributions of people from across the nation. Kien highlighted this as “the green of life,” symbolising hope, peace, and sustainable development on the maritime frontier. In the coming time, the committee plans to further engage the Vietnamese diaspora in initiatives related to Truong Sa and national sovereignty. One example is a new movement to promote physical fitness among overseas Vietnamese through running and walking campaigns that connect with efforts to safeguard the nation’s maritime territories.

Another priority is applying scientific and technological expertise from the diaspora, particularly in agriculture to help improve self-sufficiency on remote islands. For example, the committee is encouraging overseas Vietnamese scientists and professionals to support the development of green farming models in areas where land and fresh water are limited. Kien also drew inspiration from Vietnamese peacekeeping forces abroad, particularly in Africa, who not only serve missions of stability but also contribute to local communities through farming, construction, and public works, embodying the ethos of the “soldier for the people.” He sees similar spirit in overseas Vietnamese communities, which continue to demonstrate creativity, dedication, and a strong sense of national identity.

In terms of policy, the committee will focus on three key areas moving forward. First is fostering scientific collaboration between Vietnamese at home and abroad. This is highlighted in the Politburo’s Resolution 57, which promotes science and technology as the core of national development. Second is reinforcing unity across generations and geographies, with special attention to younger Vietnamese overseas. Third is preserving cultural identity through the Vietnamese language and heritage, seen as the strongest bond connecting the global community.

Throughout the recent journey, the Vietnamese expatriate delegation visited six locations, including Da Thi, Sinh Ton, Len Dao, Co Lin, Da Tay A, Truong Sa, and the DKI/8 platform. Each stop deepened their connection to the homeland and reaffirmed the shared mission of safeguarding the nation’s maritime frontiers. The enduring message from this journey and those before it, is one of unity and resilience, a testament to the millions of Vietnamese hearts across the world that continue to beat for Truong Sa./.