Mexico City – A Diplomatic Dispute Over a Name Change
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has officially challenged Google’s compliance with an executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump, which mandates renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
Sheinbaum revealed on Thursday that she had sent a formal letter to the tech giant, arguing that such a change disregards international sovereignty and historical accuracy.
Related article - Google maps' renaming of the Gulf of Mexico
Mexico’s Sovereignty and Territorial Waters
Addressing reporters, Sheinbaum emphasized, “In the case of Mexico, we are fully sovereign within our territorial waters, which extend 12 nautical miles from the coastline. This principle applies universally to all nations.”
She further clarified that no country has the authority to unilaterally alter the designation of international waters beyond its territorial limit. “If a nation chooses to rename a body of water within its jurisdiction, that change is limited to its sovereign territory. It does not extend to the entire Gulf of Mexico,” she asserted.
A Counterproposal to Rename the U.S.
Sheinbaum referenced a previous counterproposal she made to Trump, suggesting that the United States adopt the historical name “América Mexicana” when searched in Google Maps.
She even presented a 1607 map labeling parts of North America as “Mexican America” during a recent press conference.
Google’s Decision and Global Implementation
On Monday, Google announced that U.S. users would soon see the Gulf of Mexico renamed as the Gulf of America on Google Maps, citing its policy of aligning map names with official government sources. However, users in Mexico will continue to see the original name, while the rest of the world will be shown both names simultaneously.
This move has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing that political influence should not dictate geographical terminology.
Additional Landmark Name Changes
Alongside renaming the Gulf of Mexico, Google is also set to revert the name of Mount McKinley, the highest peak in the United States, back from Denali.
The peak was originally renamed Denali in 2015 by former President Barack Obama to acknowledge the heritage of Alaska’s Indigenous people.
Trump’s executive action, however, reinstates the mountain’s previous name in an effort to “honor American greatness.
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A Battle Over History and Identity
The renaming controversy raises questions about historical preservation, national identity, and the role of tech companies in geopolitical matters. While Google’s compliance aligns with U.S. policy, Mexico remains firm in defending the name of the Gulf of Mexico, citing international maritime laws.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how global entities and diplomatic channels will address the growing tension over geographic rebranding.
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Written By HowNHowTo.com