Mexican President Requests Google to Retain Gulf of Mexico Name on Maps
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In a recent turn of events, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has taken a bold stance against the attempts made by former US President Donald Trump to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. Reports from CNN and Reuters indicate that Sheinbaum has urged Google not to comply with Trump’s order to alter the name of the gulf.
In a letter addressed to Google, Sheinbaum emphasised Mexico’s sovereignty within the 12 nautical miles from the coastline, elaborating that any name changes in the sea should adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. She highlighted that while a country may alter designations within its territorial waters, it does not extend to renaming the entire Gulf of Mexico.
Moreover, Sheinbaum referenced a light-hearted suggestion she made to Trump in the past, proposing to rename the US as “América Mexicana” or Mexican America, accompanied by a map dating back to 1607. She urged Google to display this map when searched for Mexican America. Google had previously announced plans to comply with Trump’s executive order, citing their practice of updating names based on official government sources.
Trump initially introduced the idea of renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America on January 7, rationalising that the new name would be more fitting. Subsequently, on January 20, he signed an executive order mandating the change, asserting the significance of the gulf to America’s economy and future growth.
In response, Sheinbaum reiterated that for Mexico and the rest of the world, the body of water remains the Gulf of Mexico, regardless of Trump’s intentions. She emphasised that while Trump may choose to rename the ‘American’ part of the gulf as he desires, it remains the Gulf of Mexico for the global community.
As the dispute unfolds, Google is yet to respond to Sheinbaum’s plea to retain the original name on its mapping platform. The clash of opinions between the Mexican President and the former US President serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding geopolitical names and territories.
The controversy sheds light on the power dynamics at play in international relations and the importance of respecting each country’s sovereignty and historical nomenclature. It remains to be seen how Google will navigate this diplomatic tussle and whether they will choose to honour Sheinbaum’s request or align with Trump’s directive.
In conclusion, the clash over renaming the Gulf of Mexico underscores the intricate interplay between politics, geography, and national identity. As the debate continues, all eyes are on Google to see how they will navigate this sensitive issue and whether they will prioritise geopolitical sensitivities or adhere to official government mandates.