On May 2, authorities in Hai Duong City, Hai Duong Province, confirmed that they had issued an administrative penalty against a vendor at Thanh Binh Market for violating regulations regarding the display of Vietnam’s territorial map on commercial products.

According to the market management board, following media reports that a vendor was openly selling T-shirts printed with a map of Vietnam excluding the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, an inspection was conducted. The vendor, identified as Mac Van H., was found at stall 45B selling three such shirts.

After being informed of the violation, Mr. H. voluntarily surrendered the remaining two shirts. He stated that the items were sourced from a store located on Bui Thi Cuc Street in Hai Duong City.

The two shirts have since been handed over to Thanh Binh Ward Police for further legal action. Local authorities stated that they will continue to promote awareness of Vietnam’s territorial sovereignty and educate the public about national maritime claims.

According to Decree 18/2020 issued by the government, distributing maps or map-related publications that do not include the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands may result in administrative fines of up to 50 million VND (approximately 2,000 USD).

Hoai Anh