Enhancing capacity in strategic trade control and countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

Within the framework of the cooperation programme between the Standing Office of the National Focal Point of Vietnam for countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (Standing Office 81, Ministry of National Defence) and the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Programme of the US Department of State, a Vietnamese inter-ministerial delegation (comprising representatives of the Ministries of National Defence, Justice, Science and Technology, Industry and Trade, and Health) took part in a study visit on countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and strategic trade control in Washington D.C. (the United States) from 5 to 13 June 2026.

The Vietnamese inter-ministerial delegation discusses strategic trade control systems and countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

During the programme, the delegation studied and discussed the strategic trade control system of the United States, including its legal framework, licensing mechanism, enforcement and interagency coordination mechanism for the management of strategic goods, covering WMD, conventional weapons and dual-use goods. US experts also presented list-based and non-list-based (catch-all) controls; methods for the technical classification of goods; and the determination of the end use, end user and destination of goods. In addition, the delegation discussed the requirements for implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, international export control regimes, United Nations sanctions against certain countries and measures to counter WMD proliferation financing.

Through the programme, the participants gained extensive knowledge and practical experience in foreign direct investment linked to national security review, export licensing and the control of intangible technology transfers. The experts shared their experience in assessing risks where foreign enterprises invest in or acquire enterprises producing strategic goods; interagency coordination procedures in the review of export licence applications; and assessment criteria relating to international commitments, end use and the risk of diversion.

In addition, the participants took part in case studies and practical scenarios relating to export licensing of semiconductor processors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, chemicals and high-tech components, and discussed the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, unmanned and autonomous vehicles, quantum computing, quantum sensing, hypersonic technology and space technology.

The Vietnamese delegation visits and holds a working session at the Capitol

Alongside the technical study programme, the Vietnamese delegation visited the Capitol and the Headquarters of the US Department of State to learn more about policy-making and implementation mechanisms in the field of security and countering the proliferation of WMD. The delegation also met and held discussions with Mr Gonzalo Suarez, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State responsible for countering WMD proliferation, and Congressman Jimmy Panetta, responsible for countering WMD proliferation in the US House of Representatives. The two sides exchanged experience and promoted bilateral cooperation in the field of strategic trade control.

The Vietnamese delegation visits and holds discussions with the Ambassador of Vietnam to the United States, Nguyen Quoc Dung, on matters relating to the programme

The study visit enabled the Vietnamese delegation to gain a comprehensive update on knowledge and practice in strategic trade control and countering the proliferation of WMD. The experience gained provides an important basis for Vietnam to continue studying and improving its legal framework, enhancing enforcement capacity and strengthening interagency coordination, in order to meet the requirements of safeguarding national security in the current context of international integration and scientific and technological development.

Dang Huy Hiep - Centre 81