Vietnam Outlines Regional Approach to AI Governance at ASEAN-China Forum
At a glance
- Vietnam proposed regional cooperation on AI governance with China and ASEAN.
- The country has enacted an AI Law and a national AI strategy through 2030.
- Vietnam signed an agreement to establish WAICO in July 2026.
Vietnam is promoting international collaboration on artificial intelligence policy, focusing on dialogue, research, and human resource development with China and ASEAN countries.
At the 2026 China-ASEAN Ministerial Roundtable on AI, held in Nanning, China, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh represented Vietnam and presented the country's proposals for strengthening cooperation in the field of AI.
Vietnam's proposals at the event included calls for enhanced dialogue on AI governance, joint research initiatives, safe testing of AI systems, and development of skilled personnel in partnership with China and ASEAN member states.
The roundtable brought together officials from China’s AI regulatory agencies, representatives from all 11 ASEAN nations, as well as participants from AI businesses, research institutes, and financial organizations.
What the numbers show
- The China-ASEAN Ministerial Roundtable on AI took place on September 17, 2026.
- Vietnam’s national AI strategy extends through 2030 with a vision to 2045.
- Vietnam signed the WAICO agreement in July 2026.
Vietnam has established a legal and strategic framework for AI, including the passage of an AI Law, the issuance of a guiding decree, and the approval of a national AI strategy that sets out goals through 2030 and a vision for 2045.
The national AI strategy identifies artificial intelligence as a key capability for advancing governance, production, and services, and places emphasis on human resources, computing infrastructure, data, technological development, international cooperation, and strategic autonomy.
Vietnam’s approach to AI governance is centred on human interests, with policy documents stating that AI should support people and not replace human authority or responsibility. The strategy also highlights the importance of protecting human rights, privacy, fairness, transparency, and accountability.
In July 2026, Vietnam signed an agreement to help establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), furthering its commitment to international collaboration in AI development and governance.
Vietnam has stated that building a safe future for AI depends on each country’s governance capacity and mutual trust among partners. The country expressed its intention to work closely with China and ASEAN to promote benefits for people and support regional prosperity.
* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.