An art programme entitled “Xuan Truong Sa” (Spring in Truong Sa - Spratly Archipelago) was held in Hanoi on January 8 to honour Vietnamese naval officers and soldiers for their great contributions to protecting the country’s sovereignty over its seas and islands and continental shelf.

The eye of storm No.6 (named Nesat) was about 600 km northeast of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago as of 7am on October 17, pack ing 103-133 kilom etres p er hour winds (level 11-12) near its eye , w ith sh ock at level 14 , as announced by the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting .