Hanoi's growing role in nuclear diplomacy is a sign of multilateral trust

South China Morning Post

27-06-2025

In a development that may not have made headlines but carries significant diplomatic weight, Vietnam has been nominated to preside over the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) set for 2026. At first glance, this might seem like a routine appointment within the well-worn cycles of international diplomacy.
However, at a moment when nuclear anxieties are re-emerging – not least due to Iran's relatively opaque atomic activities – the selection signals a subtle but powerful shift: Vietnam is no longer just a capable regional actor, but a country the international community trusts to navigate the treacherous waters of global nuclear governance.
This elevation comes as the spectre of
nuclear proliferation once again casts a long shadow over international security. Iran's
enrichment capabilities have rekindled fears of a destabilised Middle East, prompting urgent calls for credible diplomatic frameworks.
In that context, Vietnam's appointment reflects a collective bet that a nation with no nuclear ambitions – and a history of
balancing great power relations – can help restore confidence in a non-proliferation regime under mounting strain.
The NPT review conferences are not mere ceremonial gatherings. These are high-stakes diplomatic arenas where nuclear and non-nuclear states negotiate the fragile balance between deterrence and disarmament, peaceful nuclear cooperation and proliferation risks. Presiding over such a conference demands neutrality, negotiation skills and a reputation for constructive engagement. Vietnam's nomination, therefore, is a geopolitical endorsement.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, on June 9. Photo: Reuters