Hoàng Sa - "The Gem on the Crown": Declaration and implementation of sovereignty by emperor Gia Long (1802-1819)

Abstract

The books about Vietnamese history, official geographical monographs and imperial archives of the Nguyễn dynasty (1802 - 1945) record the complete details of the process of establishing and exercising sovereignty over the Hoàng Sa Archipelago (Paracel Islands) by the Nguyễn emperors as the representatives of Vietnam. Vietnamese historical texts (history written by the imperial court) and Western historical records (text and maps) affirm that the Nguyễn dynasty's implementation of sovereignty complied with international best practices. The process of exercising sovereignty shows the continuity of national behaviors, and the first to take possession of and proclaim sovereignty over Hoàng Sa was Emperor Gia Long.