OCTOBERASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK8NEWSROOMSAUDI ARABIA EMPHASIZES ENERGY RELATIONS WITH CHINA OVER DEALS WITH USAuthorities in Singapore are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to create innovative tools for testing new synthetic drugs to combat the rise of new psychoactive substances (NPS) globally. These lab-made drugs mimic the effects of traditional drugs like heroin and cannabis, but due to their complex chemical structures and ability to evolve rapidly, they often evade traditional drug tests.The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) highlighted how clandestine laboratories can make minor chemical modifications to create new compounds that skirt existing drug legislation. This constant evolution results in a delay from the detection of a new substance to its legal listing, leaving authorities in a catch-up position. During this lag, enforcement and prosecution cannot occur, exacerbating the issue.To counter this, Singapore has enacted changes like generic listing and recent amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), allowing quicker legal action against unlisted substances. Agencies like the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) have developed advanced testing methodologies to identify new substances, while the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) is developing AI tools to analyze and decipher chemical compositions of unknown NPS. These efforts aim to address the growing concern of NPS production and trafficking in the region. The relationship between Saudi Arabia and China has strengthened into a stable strategic alliance, unaffected by the United States' situation. Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang went to Saudi Arabia for the Saudi-Chinese joint committee business meeting, where he was joined by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This meeting was one of many attempts to improve energy relations between the two countries.Li Qiang stated his wish to enhance coordination between the development strategies of both countries and boost a further. The primary focus of the meeting of the Supreme Committee was on ensuring the availability of energy resources. While topics like the trade deal, current challenges, and competition from Chinese goods in the Saudi market were addressed.Riyadh aims to reassure Beijing of its capability to provide oil for a long time. Before the meeting, Saudi Aramco, the national oil company of Saudi Arabia, declared on its webpage the execution of two agreements with two Chinese energy firms. In the documents that were signed, Saudi Aramco promises to strengthen their support for China's energy security and the growth of the industry in the medium and long run.As Saudi Arabia deepens its ties with China, the interactions, deals, and statements are seen as sending unfavorable signals to the US, its top ally. China understands that its economy is impacted by US foreign policy due to the dollar-based pricing of oil. AUTHORITIES IN SINGAPORE RESORT TO AI FOR DRUG WARFARE
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