The government of the Republic of Vietnam exercised and defended its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands (1956-1975)

Abstract

The Republic of Vietnam regime was established in 1955 on the basis of inheriting the State of Vietnam of Bảo Đại (1949-1955). According to the provisions of the Geneva Agreement (July 1954), the government of the Republic of Vietnam directly managed the territory of the south of the 17th parallel, including the Paracels and Spratly Islands. In fact, the government of the Republic of Vietnam took over the management of the Spratly Islands from the French Government in 1956. During the period 1956-1975, the government of the Republic of Vietnam made many efforts to affirm and consolidate the sovereignty over the Spratly Islands. In addition, the government of the Republic of Vietnam has also fought fiercely with countries in the region to protect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Spratly Islands in various forms. The activities to enforce and protect the sovereignty of the government of the Republic of Vietnam took place continuously, which clearly showed that the Spratly Islands was an integral part of the territory of Vietnam. On that basis, the article focuses on clarifying the following contents: 1) the process of taking over the Spratly Islands by the government of the Republic of Vietnam (1955-1956), 2) the process of exercising the sovereignty of the Republic of Vietnam government over the Spratly Islands in the period 1956-1973, and 3) the government of the Republic of Vietnam sending troops to station, directly managing, and fighting for the sovereignty over the Spratly Islands (1974-1975).