Vietnam National Assembly Passes Law to Prevent and Combat WMD Proliferation
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam’s National Assembly on Sunday passed the Law on Preventing and Combating the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs), with 473 of 474 deputies voting in favour, representing 94.60 percent of the total.
The legislation was adopted during the first extraordinary session of the 16th National Assembly.
Prior to the vote, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang presented the Government’s report on the incorporation of deputies’ opinions and revisions made to the draft legislation.
He said the draft law had been carefully reviewed and amended to clarify its scope, regulated entities, terminology and principles of application. The revisions were aimed at ensuring conformity with the Constitution, consistency with Vietnam’s legal system, compatibility with international treaties and alignment with practical requirements.
The law establishes a risk-based legal framework for managing and controlling the proliferation of WMDs and its financing. It clarifies the grounds, authority and responsibilities of relevant agencies and entities while avoiding duplication with sector-specific legislation and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of organisations and individuals.
The legislation also sets out mechanisms for implementation, inter-agency coordination and data sharing, as well as provisions concerning personnel and resources. Responsibilities are clearly allocated without requiring the establishment of additional organisations or staffing arrangements.
General Phan Văn Giang stressed that preventing and combating the proliferation of WMDs is an urgent and cross-sectoral task that requires close international cooperation.
The new law is expected to strengthen Vietnam’s legal capacity to proactively prevent and identify proliferation risks at an early stage and respond to them in a timely manner. It is also intended to contribute to protecting national independence and sovereignty, national security, and the lives and health of the Vietnamese people.
According to the Government, the legislation will help maintain a peaceful and stable environment conducive to rapid and sustainable national development, while reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under relevant international treaties and implementing applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The law is also expected to contribute to a safe and transparent environment for investment, trade, and scientific and technological cooperation, thereby strengthening Vietnam’s international standing and reputation.
The Law on Preventing and Combating the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction consists of four chapters and 36 articles, covering general provisions, management and control measures, implementation mechanisms and enforcement.
The law will come into effect on July 1, 2027.
