The Trường Sa Islands, also known as the Spratly Islands, are a group of islands and reefs located in the South China Sea, which became a focal point of territorial disputes in Southeast Asia. In the weeks leading up to the takeover, North Vietnam intensified its military campaign against South Vietnam, taking advantage of the weakened state of the South Vietnamese military and government as it faced imminent defeat. The capture of the Trường Sa Islands represented a culmination of ongoing efforts by North Vietnamese forces to assert control over territories claimed by South Vietnam.

On April 29, the North Vietnamese army successfully completed its capture of all South Vietnam-held portions of the Trường Sa Islands. This maneuver was strategic, reinforcing North Vietnam's position in the South China Sea, an area highly contested due to its potential natural resources and significant shipping lanes. The islands had previously served as a military outpost for South Vietnam, and their loss was a turning point in the conflict, marking the effectiveness of North Vietnamese military strategy during the concluding phases of the war.

This event occurred in a broader context of the Vietnam War, characterized by intense fighting and significant shifts in power. As North Vietnamese troops advanced into key strategic locations throughout South Vietnam, the complete takeover of the Trường Sa Islands signified a conference of military victories leading up to the eventual fall of Saigon just days later. The successful campaign against South Vietnam not only showcased North Vietnam's military capabilities but also highlighted the impact of international politics in the region, as neighboring countries had their interests tied to control of these maritime territories.