The tasks were outlined at the third meeting of the Central Military Commission held in Hanoi on September 30, with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam in the chair.

It was reported at the meeting that during the third quarter the Central Military Commission and Ministry of National Defence maintained their strategic advisory role on military and defence affairs and the protection of the Fatherland.

The military closely monitored and assessed developments, proactively advised the Party and State on appropriate responses, and maintained strategic initiative. It also strengthened its role in building all-people national defence, coordinated with civilian agencies and local authorities, and participated in major infrastructure projects and disaster response and relief efforts.

The armed forces strengthened combat readiness and closely managed airspace, waters, borders, border gates, inland areas and cyberspace. They also stepped up efforts to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and reorganised local military structures as part of efforts to improve local defence capabilities.

Party-building work within the military continued to be strengthened, with emphasis on political and ideological education, organisational discipline and the prevention of violations and misconduct.

Focus on final-quarter tasks

Addressing the meeting, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam said the fourth quarter would be decisive to the fulfilment of the 2026 tasks, the first year of implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress.

He asked the Central Military Commission to review the targets and tasks set for 2026 and take decisive measures to ensure their completion.

The military was instructed to stay proactive in monitoring and assessing developments, particularly strategic issues involving borders, seas and islands, and cyberspace. It was also tasked with maintaining and improving combat readiness, strengthening training and education, and organising exercises to improve operational capabilities.

The top leader, who is also Secretary of the Central Military Commission, placed emphasis on accelerating efforts against IUU fishing and continuing the 500-day campaign to search for, recover and identify the remains of fallen soldiers.

Another priority is to identify bottlenecks and accelerate major programmes, projects and schemes, particularly those related to research, development and domestic production in the defence industry.

The Central Military Commission was also asked to further improve international integration and defence diplomacy.

Vietnam will prepare for and organise the third Vietnam International Defence Expo in 2026, an event expected to contribute to promoting the image and international standing of the Vietnam People’s Army and the country. The military will also coordinate with ministries, sectors and local authorities in preparations for APEC 2027.

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