In a week marked by diplomatic tension and legal challenges, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has addressed two pressing issues involving the United States: the controversial renaming of the Gulf of Mexico on Google Maps and the ongoing crisis of U.S.-sourced firearms fueling violence in Mexico.
Gulf of Mexico Naming Dispute
On Monday, President Sheinbaum revealed details of a letter she received from Google regarding the naming controversy surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. Last week, Google Maps updated its platform in the U.S. to reflect former President Donald Trump’s preferred title, “Gulf of America,” while users in Mexico continue to see the body of water under its original name. International users, however, now see both names listed.
Sheinbaum emphasized that under international law, a country’s naming conventions for maritime territories only apply up to 12 nautical miles from its coast.
“If a country wants to change the designation of something in the sea, it would only apply up to 12 nautical miles. It cannot apply to the rest, in this case, the Gulf of Mexico,” she stated.
“This is what we explained in detail to Google.”
The move has sparked outrage in Mexico, with many viewing it as an attempt to erase the historical and cultural significance of the Gulf’s name. Sheinbaum’s firm stance highlights Mexico’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and heritage in the face of external pressures.
U.S. Gunmakers Warned of Legal Action
In a separate development, President Sheinbaum issued a stark warning to U.S. gun manufacturers on Friday, stating they could face fresh legal action if the U.S. designates Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations. She argued that such a designation would implicate U.S. gunmakers as accomplices to cartel violence, given the overwhelming flow of firearms from the U.S. into Mexico.
“If they were to decree organized crime groups as terrorists, we would have to expand the lawsuit in the United States,” Sheinbaum said. “As the Department of Justice itself has already acknowledged that 74% of the arms used by criminal groups come from the United States, then how are the arms manufacturers and distributors affected by the decree? The lawyers are looking at it, but they could be accomplices.”
According to a December report by *60 Minutes*, an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 U.S. firearms are smuggled into Mexico annually, fueling the country’s ongoing struggle with drug cartels and organized crime. Sheinbaum’s warning underscores Mexico’s determination to hold U.S. gunmakers accountable for their role in the crisis.
Tariff Negotiations with the U.S.
Amid these tensions, President Sheinbaum also revealed details of her recent negotiations with former U.S. President Donald Trump over tariffs. When Trump called her last week, Sheinbaum expected a hardline stance on tariffs but instead managed to broker a deal that has drawn attention from world leaders.
Trump’s initial plan to raise tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China had rattled global markets and business leaders. However, Sheinbaum’s diplomatic approach resulted in an agreement that could serve as a model for other nations navigating trade disputes with the U.S.
A Week of High-Stakes Diplomacy
President Sheinbaum’s actions this week reflect her administration’s proactive approach to safeguarding Mexico’s interests on the global stage. From challenging tech giants like Google to confronting U.S. gun manufacturers and negotiating tariffs, Sheinbaum has positioned herself as a leader unafraid to take on complex international issues.
As the Gulf of Mexico naming controversy continues to unfold and the U.S. considers designating cartels as terrorist organizations, the relationship between Mexico and the United States remains under scrutiny. Sheinbaum’s firm yet diplomatic responses suggest that Mexico will not shy away from defending its sovereignty and seeking justice in the face of external challenges.
