On the morning of 16/7, during a session of the National Assembly Standing Committee, General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, presented the draft Law on Prevention and Combat of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction on behalf of the Prime Minister.

According to the General, developing this law is a critical requirement. It aims to institutionalize the Party's policy on protecting the nation early and from afar, fostering scientific and technological development, innovation, and proactive international integration. Concurrently, it ensures Vietnam fulfills its obligations under international treaties concerning the prevention and combat of weapons of mass destruction proliferation.

The government highlighted the increasing complexity of the international situation, noting an escalating risk of proliferation and financing of weapons of mass destruction, often linked to terrorism and transnational crime. Organizations and individuals could exploit commercial activities, logistics, investment, or scientific cooperation to research, develop, or finance the spread of these weapons. This reality necessitates a robust legal framework in Vietnam for early prevention, detection, and handling of such risks.

The draft law also seeks to meet international standards for targeted financial sanctions, asset freezing, and preventing the provision of funds, assets, or financial services to designated organizations and individuals. The government stated that these requirements directly impact trade, investment, international payments, as well as the reputation of Vietnam's financial system and legal environment.

Therefore, the draft law establishes a unified management and control mechanism for activities with potential links to weapons of mass destruction proliferation. It also ensures the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals, while avoiding redundant administrative procedures for legal research, investment, production, business, import-export, and transactions.

General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense. Photo: National Assembly E-portal

The law's scope extends beyond military weapons and materials to include goods, materials, equipment, software, technology, services, and activities that could be exploited to develop or proliferate weapons of mass destruction. The draft also introduces a mechanism to control off-list goods when there is evidence of a risk that they might be used for such purposes.

A new feature in the draft is the establishment of an information system, database, and early warning system to support risk management. The national database on preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction will compile information on controlled items, transactions, management activities, inspection results, and data for risk assessment. This initiative forms the foundation for transitioning from administrative management to data-driven management.

Upon reviewing the draft law, the National Assembly's Committee for National Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs recommended that the drafting agency further review the scope of data collected. They also urged clearer regulations on the responsibilities of each agency for updating, exploiting, and sharing information. Additionally, the committee emphasized ensuring the system's connectivity with national and specialized databases to prevent duplicated investments.

The committee further requested clarification on the coordination and information exchange mechanisms among functional agencies when handling suspicious transactions related to financing weapons of mass destruction proliferation. This clarification aims to ensure consistency with anti-money laundering laws and enhance implementation feasibility.

The draft Law on Prevention and Combat of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction is expected to be considered and passed by the National Assembly at an unscheduled session in August.

Son Ha