ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Determination

Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy

President Obama approved a proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with Vietnam under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, determining it promotes common defense and security without unreasonable risk. The Secretary of State is authorized to execute and publish the agreement.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 12655

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication of determination

Key directives

  • Approve proposed Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy with Vietnam
  • Authorize Secretary of State to arrange for agreement execution
  • Authorize Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Presidential approval of proposed agreement
  • Authorization for Secretary of State to arrange execution

Near term (90d)

  • Federal Register publication of determination
  • Secretary of State to arrange agreement execution

Long term

  • Implementation of nuclear cooperation agreement with Vietnam
  • Potential US-Vietnam nuclear energy trade and technology transfer

Risks & tensions

  • Nuclear proliferation concerns with non-NPT state (Vietnam)
  • Congressional review period for 123 agreements may trigger opposition
  • Geopolitical balancing with China in Southeast Asia
Presidential Determination: Proposed Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy · Executive Orders