On defence and security tasks and solutions in the Draft Summary Report to be presented at the 14th National Party Congress

The Renovation (Doi Moi) process, initiated and led by our Party since 1986, has been reviewed several times, most recently in the 30-year summary, and this time marking the 40-year milestone. The review of theoretical and practical issues concerning the Renovation process under the socialist orientation in Vietnam over the past four decades (hereafter referred to as the Summary Report) carries profound significance. It contributes to deepening the Party’s theoretical insight, refining the theory of the line on Renovation, and advancing the country’s development and the defence of the Fatherland.

In the Draft Summary Report to be presented at the 14th National Party Congress, Section 5.3.3 outlines six orientations, tasks, and solutions. Among them, the fourth task and solution reads: “Consolidate national defence and security; firmly safeguard the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Fatherland; maintain political security, social order, and safety, ensuring stability for national development”. This is a highly important content item, referring to the strategic mission of the Vietnamese revolution of safeguarding the Fatherland. Below are comments following this approach: points of agreement with the Draft’s content, issues of concern, and recommendations for further study, adjustment, and supplementation.

Points of agreement with the orientation on defence and security tasks and solutions presented in the Draft Summary Report

A careful review shows that the Draft Summary Report in general, and particularly the fourth orientation on defence and security tasks and solutions, has been thoroughly and scientifically prepared, having undergone multiple rounds of revision at various levels, thus ensuring high quality. First, regarding the structure of the content, the Draft adopts a “two-in-one” approach, combining tasks with solutions. Among several ways to structure such content, this is the most scientific and effective format. It allows the text to be concise, clear, coherent, and logical, while avoiding overlap or redundancy when presenting tasks and solutions. Different structural approaches may exist, but it can be affirmed that this one is the most appropriate for a Party document of this nature. Other structures would find it difficult to overcome the mentioned limitations, especially concerning the overall length of the Draft.

The national parade on the 80th Anniversary of the National Day on 2 September 2025

From an overall perspective, we fully agree with the selection of the six orientations, tasks, and solutions, as well as with the arrangement that places the defence and security task and solution in the fourth position. In this regard, it should be recognised that the six orientations, tasks, and solutions presented in the Draft Summary Report represent the main and essential ones, meaning that there are other tasks and solutions which are not included. This is understandable, since the “Draft Summary Report on certain theoretical and practical issues of the renewal process under the socialist orientation in Vietnam over the Past 40 Years” has been carefully and selectively prepared, with concise content and an appropriate length; it is neither possible nor necessary to include every detail. The decision to present only six key tasks and solutions follows this approach as they are the principal and most important ones, from which lessons should be drawn to better guide future implementation in the ongoing process of renewal, national development, and defence of the Fatherland. The ordering of these six tasks and solutions, and the placement of the defence and security task as the fourth item, is based on the overall logical structure of the document, not on the relative level of importance of each task or solution.

Regarding the content, a close study of the section on orientations, tasks, and solutions for national defence and security in the Draft Summary Report shows that the content has been carefully researched and selected. It is both concise and highly synthesised, clearly and logically conveying the key messages intended. In particular, the presentation approach is notably innovative: on the one hand, it aims to summarise the achievements and lessons of national defence and security over 40 years of the Renovation process; on the other hand, it serves to outline directions, tasks, and solutions for carrying out this vital mission in the next phase of the country’s renewal process. Naturally, the tasks and solutions presented, including those relating to defence and security, are not only major and crucial, but also closely interrelated, all directed towards the successful fulfilment of both the overall and specific objectives of the Renovation process, national development, and the defence of the Fatherland.

Some issues of concern in the orientation on defence and security tasks and solutions

First of all, regarding the title, the Draft Summary Report uses the phrase “consolidate”. It may be necessary to reconsider and revise this term to make it more accurate and reflective of reality. If the purpose is to summarise the tasks and solutions for defence and security over 40 years of the Renovation process, then the term “consolidate” is not entirely appropriate, since in practice we have achieved significant progress and numerous accomplishments in this area. As a result, the potential and strength of national defence and security have been continuously enhanced, rather than being weak or in need of consolidation. On the other hand, if the term “consolidate” is intended to indicate the orientation of tasks and solutions for the next stage of the Renovation process, it still seems unsuitable. Although certain aspects of defence and security may still have limitations that need further strengthening or improvement, the overall trend has been one of steady enhancement. Therefore, replacing the term “consolidate” with “continuously strengthen” would be more accurate and contextually appropriate.

An important matter that has been well implemented in recent years but is insufficiently and superficially addressed in the Draft Summary Report is the work of disseminating and educating national defence awareness among the entire population, as well as providing training in national defence and security knowledge for key officials at all levels and sectors. This task is carried out in accordance with Directive No. 12-CT/TW dated 3 May 2007 of the Politburo (10th tenure), government decrees, and relevant documents and guidelines issued by various levels and sectors. In particular, for key officials, there are very strict regulations: within each term of office (five years), they must complete a national defence and security training course as prescribed; without a training certificate, they are not eligible for promotion or appointment. Thanks to this, the awareness, knowledge, and sense of responsibility of both the general public and key officials at all levels and sectors regarding national defence, security, and the safeguarding of the Fatherland have markedly improved, achieving significant successes in defence and security throughout the Renovation process. Therefore, in the time ahead, should we continue to strengthen this work? If so, it needs to be clearly reflected in the Draft Summary Report.

Sea parade of the Navy on the 80th Anniversary of the National Day on 2 September 2025

Referring to the issue of building defensive zones, the Draft Summary Report states: “Invest in constructing firm military region and all-level defensive zones, creating a solid, interconnected defensive posture across each locality and the entire country”. This point needs to be further studied and clarified.

We all know that this task began in 1987. Subsequently, on 22 September 2008, the Politburo (10th tenure) issued Resolution No. 28-CT/TW on continuing to build centrally governed provinces and cities into strong defensive zones in the new situation, and the Government promulgated decrees concerning defensive zones. Since then, the construction of defensive zones at all levels, sectors, and localities has been carried out actively and synchronously, with the participation of all levels from central to local and grassroots authorities. Although no comprehensive statistics are available, it is certain that the investment of funds from the state, local, and sectoral budgets in building defensive zones has been enormous. The focus has mainly been on constructing command headquarters, defensive works, and holding training and exercises for defensive zones at all levels. The results achieved have been highly encouraging, making a practical contribution to strengthening national defence, security, and the protection of the Fatherland.

Recommendations for further research, adjustment, and supplementation

From the issues mentioned above, it is necessary to continue studying, adjusting, and supplementing certain aspects so that the Draft Summary Report becomes more comprehensive and coherent.

First, it is essential to enhance public awareness and sense of responsibility - particularly among the younger generation, students, and pupils - regarding national defence and security tasks in particular, and the cause of safeguarding the Fatherland in general. Over the years, this work has been carried out effectively. As a result, there has been a clear transformation in the awareness, responsibility, and actions of the entire population toward the mission of national construction and defence. The work of providing national defence and security knowledge training for key officials at all levels and sectors has likewise been implemented effectively, with appropriate programmes, topics, and training durations tailored to each category of officials. This has enabled them to exercise sound leadership and direction in fulfilling their duties, integrating socio-economic development with national defence and security at local and grassroots levels. These achievements form a solid foundation for continuing to promote this work in the next term under the new circumstances. If such a direction is intended, it should be clearly affirmed and incorporated into the Draft Summary Report.

Second, regarding the construction of defensive zones. The Draft Summary Report has yet to clarify this issue, both in terms of the review of past implementation and the future orientation. It should be affirmed that this is a pivotal matter in both peacetime and wartime.

In peacetime, defensive zones serve as the foundation of the all-people national defence and the people’s security posture, enabling proactive and effective handling of national defence and security situations at local and grassroots levels. At the same time, they constitute the cornerstone of the people’s war posture when the country faces an invasion.

Over the past decades, thanks to appropriate attention and investment, defensive zones have been comprehensively developed, forming a solid, interconnected defensive posture across localities and nationwide, particularly in strategic areas. However, since 1 July 2025, with the implementation of the two-tier local government model, the construction of defensive zones (based on administrative boundaries) has undergone significant changes, requiring necessary adjustments and supplements. This is an urgent and essential task that has a direct impact on national defence, security, and the protection of the Fatherland. Thus, it must undoubtedly be carried out, and promptly so. The workload to be revised and supplemented regarding defensive zones is substantial, encompassing both the military posture planning on the ground, such as command headquarters, defensive works, etc. and the system of operational documents, including operational determination, operational plans, and support plans. Therefore, early implementation is imperative, though completion within a few years will be difficult. The Draft Summary Report on national defence and security tasks and solutions has not yet addressed this matter. Hence, it is necessary to study and incorporate this issue in order to provide a basis for ministries, sectors, and localities to promptly and effectively implement it as expected.

In conclusion, the draft summary report on several theoretical and practical issues regarding Vietnam’s 40-year renewal process in the socialist-oriented path has, in general, covered the national defence, security, and Fatherland protection tasks and solutions in a relatively comprehensive and adequate manner. Therefore, the majority of opinions have expressed strong agreement and high consensus with the Draft Summary Report’s content. The concerns and suggestions for further research and supplementation presented above are intended as reference points for additional consideration.

Major General NGUYEN MANH HUNG