VNA quoted Ambassador Mai Phan Dung as saying that the international security environment continues to deteriorate, strategic competition is increasingly fierce and military spending is increasing globally. In that context, the risk of miscalculation and unintended escalation, especially nuclear risk, is still a deep concern.
Ambassador Mai Phan Dung affirmed Vietnam's position on disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons is still consistent and principled. Vietnam supports comprehensive, verifiable and irreversible disarmament, especially nuclear disarmament; emphasized the importance of preventing nuclear proliferation, strengthening transparency measures and building trust; reaffirmed its commitment to international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
Regarding defense policy, the Ambassador clearly stated that Vietnam is steadfast in the "Four No's" principle: Not participating in military alliances; not linking with one country to oppose another; not allowing foreign countries to establish military bases or use Vietnamese territory to oppose another country; not using force or threatening to use force in international relations.
Within the framework of the conference, Vietnam emphasized a number of substantive priorities. First of all, it supported the start of negotiations on a treaty prohibiting the production of fissile materials used for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, and at the same time said that continuing substantive discussions at affiliated agencies could contribute to creating consensus.
Vietnam also emphasized the importance of legally binding negative security assurances for non-nuclear weapons states, considering them as measures to strengthen trust and promote a fairer security environment.
In the context of unstable security, minimizing nuclear risks needs to be urgently prioritized through increased transparency, improved communication channels and preventing miscalculations to reduce tension and build trust.
Vietnam also noted that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation systems are increasingly associated with military applications, so it is necessary to ensure the role of control and responsibility of humans in all cases, promote international dialogue to prevent destabilizing consequences. Preventing the arms race in space is also considered a top priority, affirming that the use of outer space for peaceful purposes needs to be maintained for the common benefit of all humanity.
According to the plan, in the middle of this year, member countries will meet in New York (USA) to attend the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. This is considered an important opportunity to restore trust, reaffirm commitments and promote the balanced implementation of the treaty's three pillars, including nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
As Chairman of the upcoming Review Conference, Vietnam is committed to creating conditions for comprehensive, constructive and balanced dialogue between member states; considering narrowing differences, reducing polarization and strengthening trust as key factors for achieving substantial results.
The Ambassador emphasized that the Disarmament Conference and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons have a mutual relationship, in which progress at the Disarmament Conference may contribute to creating a favorable political environment for the Review Conference; conversely, a successful Review Conference will strengthen the prestige and effectiveness of the multilateral disarmament mechanism. The Ambassador affirmed that Vietnam is ready to actively contribute and promote dialogue in both processes.
