China, in partnership with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), has launched a workshop in Shanghai to address the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing chemical safety while mitigating its associated risks.
At the First AI and Chemical Safety and Security Management workshop, which began on Tuesday, representatives from OPCW's member states shared insights on the challenges AI poses, both as a tool to strengthen and as a potential threat to global chemical weapons controls.
"The world has become a much more difficult place. There is a lack of understanding between very important countries, and at the same time, chemical weapons nowadays can be generated and used in a more efficient way, in a cheaper way than before. We need this organization more than before to face a task, to work altogethe0r, the 193 states parties, to face the new risks, the new threats that are perfectly defined," said Fernando Arias, director-general of the OPCW.
"We have more than 200 applicants, more than 40 came to Shanghai for this workshop and 80 percent of those participants are from the developing countries. So this active participation is a testament that China's position or policy on AI have been extensive or widely appreciated and supported by the international community," said Tan Jian, Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands.
A Chinese scholar emphasized at the event that China is actively fostering international collaboration and global governance in AI, supported by a series of tailored policies and regulations.
"We all know that AI has a dual use in the field of the prohibition of chemical weapons. On one hand, it will promote the technology development, but on the other hand it still causes some very serious risks," said Jia Kai, associate professor at School of International and Public Affairs of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Fatema Alnaqbi, an IT specialist at the Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Center, highlighted the critical role of AI in enhancing detection capabilities.
"Well as you know, the hazardous items are [being] transferred from other countries, so we need to use the AI to detect it in a professional way and a secure way," she said.
During the 4-day workshop, participants will explore the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park and Shanghai University, gaining insights into China's advancements in smart, green chemical industries and the integration of AI in scientific research.
China launches workshop to explore AI's dual role in chemical safety
Iran on Tuesday warned it would deliver a stern response to any new aggression, after U.S. President Donald Trump ordering preparations for a prolonged naval blockade of the country.
Trump has instructed his administration to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran as the ceasefire remains in place amid stalled talks, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing U.S. officials.
In recent meetings, including a Monday discussion with top security officials in the White House, Trump opted to continue squeezing Iran's economy and oil exports by preventing shipping to and from its ports, said the report.
The president assessed that the blockade, "a high-risk bid" to compel Tehran's nuclear capitulation, carries less risk than other options -- resume bombing or walk away from the conflict, the officials were quoted as saying.
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated the same day that Tehran has completed "all necessary arrangements" to counter the U.S. naval blockade.
She noted that Iran's primary strategy focuses on maximizing its geographical advantages through effective tactical maneuvers.
Also on Tuesday, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia declared that the military considers the current situation a state of war.
Akraminia added that Iran has fully updated its target lists and operational equipment, promising a "stern response" to any further aggression.
Mujtaba Ferdosipour, head of Iran's Interests Section in Cairo, told the IRNA news agency on Wednesday that U.S. attempts to force unilateral demands through a naval blockade are ineffective. He stressed that Iran's extensive land borders with neighboring countries provide viable alternatives to bypass the maritime restrictions.
Ferdosipour reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to vessels linked to Israel and the United States. He asserted that Iran has the right to manage security in the strait, maintaining that this position does not violate international conventions.
The envoy further stated that Iran does not trust the United States and has no desire for direct negotiations. He emphasized that Tehran can employ all available means to defend itself against attacks.
According to the latest data from the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz have plummeted by 95.3 percent since Feb 27. The disruption has caused global food prices to rise by approximately six percent, while crude oil prices in European markets have surged by nearly 50 percent.
Iran warns of stern response as US plans prolonged blockade
