Besides promoting economic activities, Navy Vice-Admiral Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien said that naval forces plans to shorten the way between the mainland and Spratly archipelago.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien.

Hien said that the navy will build high-speed boats or use planes for transportation between the mainland and Truong Sa. In addition, Truong Sa has been covered with radio, television and mobile services.

Currently, boats from the mainland to Truong Sa can run between 8-10 miles per hour. The navy will put into operational boats with average speed of 15 miles per hours. The commute will be cut to 24 hours or less.

Answering VietNamNet’s question about boosting civilian activities on Vietnam’s islands, Hien said this is a sound decision by the Party and the State, because Vietnam has to provide military protection to its possessions besides developing economics.

According to the general, sovereignty over sea and islands is confirmed by civil life and economic life. The navy is promoting this task. Recently, the Truong Sa Islands welcomed two newly born citizens.

Vietnam also built wind and solar energy works on Truong Sa to improve the life of local people and soldiers.

Hien also said that the navy supports the policy to bring tourists to Truong Sa.

Da Tay Island.

Talking about the strength of the navy, Hien explained that, in the past, the navy was weak because it was equipped with old ships of the US and Russia.

“Now we have a sea strategy. To set sail, we have to protect our sovereignty and economic activities in the sea, so we have to further equip our naval forces,” Hien commented.

Vietnam’s navy has also boosted its cooperation with the navies of other countries.

Early in 2009, the navy sent officials to China, Thailand and Malaysia and will send more to Japan, France and the US in the near future to learn from their experiences. The navy will then hold a search and rescue rehearsal with the Chinese navy and other countries.

Ha Yen