Hanoi: Vietnamese authorities have been working with the organisers of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Thailand regarding inaccuracies in the depiction of Vietnam’s map during the Games’ opening ceremony, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MoFA)’s spokesperson Pham Thu Hang told the press on December 11. She was responding to reporters’ questions about the December 9 opening ceremony, where the organisers used visual effects to display maps of Southeast Asian countries, with Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly), as well as Phu Quoc Island absent from the map shown for Vietnam.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the absence of these significant territories from the displayed map has caused concern and controversy, prompting the Vietnamese government to take immediate action. The authorities are reportedly in discussions with the SEA Games organisers to address and rectify the error, ensuring that Vietnam’s territorial integrity is accurately represented in future presentations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has communicated the importance of correct geographical representation, emphasizing respect for national sovereignty and historical accuracy.

The SEA Games, a biennial multi-sport event involving participants from the current 11 countries of Southeast Asia, has always been a platform for regional unity and sportsmanship. However, the map error during the ceremony has highlighted sensitivities regarding territorial depictions in the region. Vietnamese officials are hopeful that the discussions with the organisers will lead to a resolution that upholds the spirit of collaboration and respect among Southeast Asian nations.