Vietnam asserts rights over disputed Spratly islands through its lighthouses Vietnam has asserted its sovereignty over the Spratly islands in a unique way. It is by showcasing its built heritage—lighthouses, which have been constructed over the past few decades to help sailors and fishermen navigate the seas. | 2021-06-22T12:40:02+05:30 NEW DELHI: Vietnam has asserted its sovereignty over the Spratly islands in a unique way. It is by showcasing its built heritage—lighthouses, which have been constructed over the past few decades to help sailors and fishermen navigate the seas. A photo-feature in the Vietnam Net website shows how the lighthouses have not only cast a safety net in the surrounding seas, but also stamp the South-East Asian nation's claim over the Spratly archipelago (which Hanoi calls the islands of Truong Sa) region that has numerous claimants, including China and other neighbours.