The National Defense and Security Council took its current form in 1992 when a new constitution was promulgated.

The President nominates a list of members of the Council to the National Assembly for confirmation.

The current membership of the Council includes: Tô Lâm, President and chair of the Council; Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister and vice chair of the Council; Vuong Dinh Hue, Chairman of the National Assembly; General Phan Van Giang, Minister of Defence; General To Lam, Minister of Public Security; Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Under the constitution, in the case of war, the National Assembly may delegate to the Council special responsibilities and powers, including declaring states of emergency and mandating actions by the government, military, public security forces, and foreign affairs officials.

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