Fact-finding meeting for the examination of the draft Law on Countering the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

On the afternoon of 15 June, the National Assembly's Committee on National Defence, Security and Foreign Affairs held a working session with the Chemical Corps - Standing Office 81 (of the National Focal Point of Vietnam for countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction) to prepare for the examination and finalisation of the draft Law on Countering the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. This is an important step towards building a coherent and rigorous legal framework consistent with international commitments and domestic practice, contributing to safeguarding national security and ensuring peace and stability in the region and the world.

Lieutenant General Tran Duc Thuan chairs the meeting

Lieutenant General Tran Duc Thuan, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on National Defence, Security and Foreign Affairs, chaired the meeting. Also in attendance were representatives of the specialised bodies of the National Assembly's Committee on National Defence, Security and Foreign Affairs, the leadership of the Legal Department of the Ministry of National Defence and the leadership of the Chemical Corps.

Major General Nguyen Dinh Hien, Commander of the Chemical Corps, speaks at the meeting

Amid rapid and complex developments in the world situation, Vietnam remains steadfast in its policy of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and transparency in the use of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials for peaceful purposes. The meeting affirmed the determination of the National Assembly and the competent authorities to enhance national capacity, and demonstrated the pioneering role of the Chemical Corps - Standing Office 81 in this field.

Participants are briefed on weapons and equipment

The Chemical Corps is a core, specialised force whose work is both technical and scientific and profoundly humanitarian. Over the years, the Corps has advised the Ministry of National Defence and the Government on the issuance of many important documents, such as Government Decree No. 218/2025/ND-CP on administrative penalties for violations in the fields of national defence and cryptography; it has recommended adding the offences of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and proliferation financing to the Criminal Code; and it has led the preparation of the dossier proposing the development of the Law on Countering the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Beyond its advisory work, the Chemical Corps directly conducts outreach, training and exercises to enhance CBRN incident response capabilities; coordinates with other sectors in controlling and handling cases related to weapons of mass destruction; and promotes international cooperation with organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). As a result, Vietnam has received considerable technical assistance, equipment, human resource training and sharing of practical experience.

Participants pose for a group photo

Acknowledging the outstanding achievements of the Chemical Corps in recent times, the Committee on National Defence, Security and Foreign Affairs called on agencies, departments and sectors to continue to support the Ministry of National Defence and the Chemical Corps in finalising the draft Law on Countering the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and submitting it for adoption in August 2026.

Source: People's Army Newspaper