The event, organised by the Party Central Committee (PCC)'s Commission for Propaganda and Education, aims to increase the awareness of officials, Party members and the public of issues relating to islands and seas, as well as their important role in boosting socio-economic development, and national construction and defence.

Participants in the conference also pointed out opportunities and challenges for Vietnam in implementing the resolutions adopted at the 10^th PCC's fourth conference on Vietnam's sea strategy up to 2020.

They emphasised the need to build legal foundations and collect historical evidence to affirm the sovereignty of Vietnam’s territorial waters and islands in the East Sea, especially the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos.

They insisted that press agencies highlight achievements in marine-based economic development and encourage all economic sectors to get involved in ensuring social welfare and maintaining the security of islands and seas.