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EU to sign historic trade deal with South American bloc, China decreases US debt holdings, ChatGPT Health launches.

EU to sign historic trade deal with South American bloc, China decreases US debt holdings, ChatGPT Health launches.

Also, US farmers struggle in a volatile global market, Gaza Peace Board announced, and California launches investigation into xAI over concerns of child porn and nonconsensual AI deepfakes.

Jan 17, 2026

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1 min read

GeoMemo
Daily Intelligence • January 17, 2026

Top News

Brazil transfers military equipment to Uruguay and Paraguay, strengthening regional security and diplomatic ties through enhanced military cooperation and emergency response efforts. (MercoPress )

The EU will sign a historic trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur, creating a vast free trade area, eliminating tariffs on 90% of bilateral trade, and boosting economic ties between the two regions. (The Local France )

China decreases US debt holdings, diversifying investments amid tensions with the US, following criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell by former President Donald Trump. (South China Morning Post )

The US is a key driver of global risk in 2026, with the Caucasus region facing significant geopolitical challenges due to trade corridor competition and potential domestic upheaval in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. (GZERO Media )

SpecialEurasia: The Caucasus region faces significant geopolitical risks in 2026, driven by competition over trade corridors and potential domestic upheaval in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

California launches investigation into Elon Musk's xAI over concerns of child porn and nonconsensual AI deepfakes, citing the company's image-generation features as a potential breeding ground for predators. (Los Angeles Times - Melody Gutierrez)

US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on countries opposing his Greenland takeover plan, sparking tensions with Denmark and NATO allies, as a US congressional delegation visits Copenhagen to show support for Denmark. (SBSNews )

Geopolitical Conflict

US President Donald Trump establishes international security force and oversight boards for Gaza transition, appointing Egypt's intelligence chief to a high-level executive body, as part of a 20-point roadmap to end the conflict. (Dailynewsegypt - Mohamed Samir)

Lagos State government orders investigation into the death of twins who died a day after receiving vaccinations at a health center, following a viral video by their father. (BBC News Hausa )

The US is reportedly sending an aircraft carrier to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, with the USS Abraham Lincoln expected to arrive in the region within a week. (Tuổi Trẻ Online - Tin mới nhất - RSS Feed )

Geopolitical Economics

US farmers face a volatile global market with diminishing federal support, as President Trump's policies dismantle 85-year-old agricultural diplomacy ties, threatening their prosperity and requiring increased government subsidies. (The Conversation - Peter Simons)

China and Canada announce tariff relief after a high-stakes meeting, signaling a reset in their relationship with lower tariffs on Canadian canola oil and Chinese electric vehicles. (BBC News - Laura Bicker)

Saudi Arabia forms rare earth joint venture, altering global markets and reducing dependence on China, with $3 billion in potential annual investments through 2030, transforming critical mineral supply chains and creating new opportunities. (Discovery Alert - Muflih Hidayat)

Greece nears investment grade A as international credit rating agencies' assessments begin in March, with a possible upgrade from Scope, bringing the country closer to its first investment grade since the bailout era. (ΤΑ ΝΕΑ )

Argentina records budget surplus for second consecutive year in 2025, with a primary surplus of 1.4% of GDP, attributed to President Javier Milei's "zero deficit" policy and reduced public spending. (Buenos Aires Times - James Grainger)

Global Markets

Copper prices plummet to a one-week low amid profit-booking and weakening demand concerns in China, sparking market volatility and uncertainty. (Arabian Post - Arabian Post)

Geopolitical Politics

The Trump administration launched AI diplomacy efforts for the Pax Silica initiative, promoting US leadership in artificial intelligence and technology on the global stage, fostering international cooperation and standards. (MSN )

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticizes US policy as "pure power politics" and urges Europe to become more independent, seeking its own interests from a position of strength. (Πρώτο Θέμα: RSS )

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine allegedly abducted by military during vote count, sparking concerns over election integrity and safety. (World - Tobi Raji)

GeoNatDisaster

The UN's Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty has taken effect, aiming to protect 30% of oceans by 2030 through a global network of marine protected areas and environmental assessments. (GMA News Online - DAVID STANWAY, Reuters)

GeoLocal

ChatGPT Health launches, offering personalized advice, but raises concerns among doctors and experts over diagnostic accuracy and data privacy, highlighting the need for regulation in AI-powered healthcare tools. (Vox - Pratik Pawar)

City AM: OpenAI's ChatGPT Health allows users to connect medical records and wellness apps, generating personalized responses, amid concerns over data privacy and accuracy in healthcare.

Observer: Doctors express concerns over ChatGPT Health's accuracy and trust, citing "hallucinations" and misinformation, as AI companies expand into healthcare, raising questions about data privacy and patient trust.

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