Presenting a report at a nationwide conference in Hanoi on February 7 to concretise the implementation of the Resolution adopted at the recent 14th Party Congress, Politburo member and Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang said the Congress marked a strategic turning point in Vietnam’s development mindset, emphasising action-oriented policies and stronger implementation capacity.

According to the minister, the Congress underscored the importance of decisive policies acting as a launching platform for Vietnam’s two centennial goals, while redefining security not only as a means of safeguarding development outcomes but also as a direct driver of sustainable growth.

Within the new framework, comprehensive security is defined as strategic autonomy, with high-quality development in politics, the economy, culture, healthcare, education, science and technology, environmental protection, human development and foreign affairs serving as the main drivers of national stability.

In this broader understanding, national security extends beyond traditional border and territorial defence to include regime security, governance security, ideological and cultural security, economic and financial security, data security, cybersecurity and digital space security. Among these, safeguarding the political system and the Party’s leadership role is identified as a core priority.

The Congress also formally introduced the concept of “strategic autonomy in security”, highlighting early identification and prevention of risks, preparedness and effective mobilisation of national resources, stronger technological capabilities and high-quality human capital, as well as the development of a self-reliant, modern and dual-use security industry.

A key breakthrough in the Congress is the decision to place development ahead of stability in security thinking. The minister said development is viewed as the fundamental solution for ensuring long-term security, while a secure environment, in turn, acts as a critical enabler of fast and sustainable growth.

Amid increasing global and regional uncertainties, the Congress identified safeguarding national and ethnic interests as the highest objective of defence and security policy, with maintaining peace and stability seen as a prerequisite for Vietnam’s broader development agenda and international integration.

For the first time, the Party also set the goal of proactive defence, highlighting a shift from reactive responses to early and forward-looking measures against emerging threats, particularly in cybersecurity, data protection and other non-traditional security domains.

The Congress emphasised a modern security approach based on proactive, inclusive and developmental security, in which maintaining public order and safety is not only about protection, but also about creating the most favourable conditions for socio-economic development.

Human security remains a central pillar, with expanded and higher standards aimed at building a disciplined, safe and civilized society, significantly reducing crime, accidents and social risks, and improving quality of life. Human security is also closely linked with social welfare, healthcare access and protection of vulnerable groups.

To translate the new security vision into practice, the Party’s action programme outlines several core priorities: improving security-related institutions aligned with development goals; building a modern, professional and highly capable public security force; strengthening people-based security and public trust; and enhancing forecasting and early-response capacity to prevent strategic surprises.

Additional priorities include greater investment in science, technology and innovation; development of an independent and modern security industry; protection of cybersecurity and national digital sovereignty; cultivation of high-quality human resources; and expanded international cooperation in security and law enforcement.

PM says security is key to sustainable Mekong Delta development

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said ensuring security and public order is a prerequisite for rapid and sustainable development in the Mekong Delta, a region of strategic importance to the country’s economy and national security.