Viet Nam becoming the first country in Southeast Asia and the second in the world to ratify this Convention is not merely a legal procedure, but also a message of proactiveness, responsibility and strategic vision of the Party and State in shaping common “rules of the game” together with the international community to respond to non-traditional security challenges.
The history of multilateral diplomacy marked a significant milestone in Ha Noi in October 2025, when the Convention was opened for signature with the participation of representatives from more than 110 countries and international organisations. With 9 chapters and 68 articles, the Ha Noi Convention establishes the first comprehensive global legal framework for preventing and combating cybercrime, identifying acts ranging from illegal access and system interference to online child abuse and money laundering.
In the context of increasingly sophisticated and cross-border cybercrime, Viet Nam has made substantive contributions, helping to shape principles of international cooperation associated with respect for national sovereignty. The naming of the Convention after the capital Ha Noi reflects international recognition of Viet Nam’s coordinating role and goodwill. The early ratification of the Convention is also a concrete step in implementing the Party’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification.
Not standing aside from global issues, Viet Nam clearly demonstrates its role as a “responsible member”, ready to contribute to building common standards. At the same time, Viet Nam demonstrates the spirit of “walking the talk”, showing institutional capacity and agility in adapting to the requirements of the digital age. This is also evidence of a country rising to actively participate in shaping global cooperation mechanisms.
Cybercrime today no longer operates in isolation but has evolved into organised activities, even targeting political security. Attacks on information systems, cross-border fraud and large-scale data theft are challenges that no country can tackle alone. As an official member, Viet Nam gains a “legal passport” to strengthen international cooperation in technical assistance, investigation, prosecution and extradition of criminals. This forms a foundation to enhance defence capacity, safeguard national sovereignty in cyberspace, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of citizens and businesses.
At the same time, Viet Nam being the first country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to ratify the Convention also affirms its leading position in the region in the field of cybersecurity. In a dynamic community where cyber governance capacity remains uneven, Viet Nam’s move creates momentum, spreads influence and shapes common standards, providing opportunities for the country to contribute its voice and experience in building a peaceful, stable and trustworthy region.
Beyond its external significance, the Ha Noi Convention also serves as a “lever” to improve the domestic legal system. International provisions will serve as benchmarks to review and supplement the Law on Cybersecurity and related laws and regulations, ensuring consistency, coherence and alignment with international practices, thereby creating a transparent legal environment that attracts high-tech investment. A safe cyberspace is a prerequisite for successfully implementing national digital transformation goals and building a digital government and a sustainable digital economy.
The ratification of the Ha Noi Convention marks a historic milestone in Viet Nam’s international integration in judicial and cybersecurity fields. This important event strongly affirms Viet Nam’s aspiration to promote the formation of a safe, healthy digital world developed for the common benefit of humanity.
