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
A major port in northern Venezuela came under U.S. airstrikes in the early hours of January 3, which caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, destroyed critical medical supplies in a warehouse, and severely impacted centuries-old cultural heritage sites, according to local residents.
The La Guaira Port, a vital hub for imports that support daily life in the region, was heavily damaged during the attack.
Large quantities of medical supplies stored at the port were destroyed. A historic cultural building dating back for some 300 years was also badly damaged by the bombardment.
Residents living near the port recalled the terrifying scenes as explosions shook nearby neighborhoods.
Humberto Bolivar, who lives in a community separated from the port by only a main road, said the blast waves shattered his home's windows, while stray shrapnel struck the water tank on his roof. According to reports, three missiles were fired at the port that night.
Bolivar said that beyond material losses, he is most concerned about the psychological impact on his children, who remain too frightened to leave their home days after the attack.
"The United States invaded our country. The children were frightened. This is not good for them, because it leaves some children with psychological trauma. They do not want to go to school or leave the house, because they are afraid that something worse might happen. We truly do not want this to happen to our country," he said.
Apart from civilian facilities, local cultural heritage site was also affected.
The La Guaira state government building, a structure with nearly 300 years of history and once served as the site of Venezuela's first national customs office, was struck by the force of the explosions.
Windows of the building were shattered, and furniture scattered across the floor.
"As people of La Guaira, we feel deep pain. Our cultural heritage has been bombed. We are living in constant anxiety and suffering, and life can no longer be the same as it was before," said a local named Henry Cumares.
The U.S. side has claimed the airstrikes targeted warehouses allegedly used to store narcotics. However, locals refuted such accusation.
"According to what Donald Trump said, they bombed this place using the excuse that the warehouses here were used to store drugs at the port. But based on the video released by our governor, these warehouses that were burned contained medicine for kidney patients and foods. Many people depend on these supplies to survive. I think the bombing is extremely despicable," said a local resident named Alejandro Capriles.
US strike hits Venezuelan port, wrecking medical supplies, heritage building
