Training course on countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in Ninh Binh

On 8 September 2026, a working delegation of the Chemical Corps - Standing Office of the National Focal Point of Vietnam for countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (Standing Office 81) took part in the 2026 training course on countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in Ninh Binh province, where the delegation delivered thematic presentations on countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The delegation was led by Senior Colonel Nguyen Dinh Thuan, Deputy Commander of the Chemical Corps and Deputy Head of Standing Office 81. The thematic presentations were delivered by Colonel Dang Huy Hiep, Director of Centre 81, and Captain Nguyen Van Vuong, Staff Officer of Centre 81.

View of the 2026 training conference.

The training content of the Chemical Corps - Standing Office 81 was structured systematically, linking foundational knowledge with practical implementation requirements. The presenters introduced the basic issues relating to weapons of mass destruction; analysed the situation, trends and risks of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in a context of ever-advancing science and technology and expanding trade and transfers of dual-use goods and technologies; and summarised the results of implementing the Government's Decree No. 81/2019/ND-CP on countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the period 2019-2026.

A key focus of the programme was the introduction of Law No. 13/2026/QH16 on Countering the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, adopted by the 16th National Assembly on 23 August 2026. The Law consists of 04 chapters and 36 articles and takes effect on 1 July 2027, providing a legal basis at the level of law for the coordinated organisation of measures to prevent, detect, interdict and handle acts of proliferation and proliferation financing of weapons of mass destruction.

On that basis, the presenters focused on clarifying the new and core elements to be grasped in implementing the Law, in particular the guiding principle of prioritising prevention and risk-based management; the management and control of dual-use goods linked to the end user and end use; the mechanism for countering the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and information sharing, database development, early warning and inter-agency coordination. This approach helps shift the focus from knowing the regulations to identifying risks, correctly determining responsibilities and proactively applying measures commensurate with the level of risk.

Colonel Dang Huy Hiep, Director of Centre 81, delivers a thematic presentation at the Conference.

Through the presentations, Standing Office 81 also emphasised the need to prepare early the conditions for the consistent and effective implementation of the Law; to step up legal communication and dissemination, provide professional training and enhance the capacity to identify and handle risks; and to make full use of the mechanisms for coordination and information exchange among the relevant agencies and units. These are important factors for turning the new provisions of the Law into real-world capacity for prevention and response.

Organising the training content immediately after the National Assembly adopted the Law on Countering the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction demonstrates the proactive approach of the Chemical Corps and Standing Office 81 in advising, communicating, disseminating and preparing for the implementation of the law. The activity helps raise awareness and harmonise approaches and methods of implementation, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction early, from afar and right from the grassroots./.

The Chemical Corps working delegation at the training conference.

Nguyen Van Vuong - Centre 81