Introduction
In a recent article, I discussed the blunders and missteps in Mexico’s foreign policy and emphasized the urgent need for it to regain its traditional dignity and prestige. Unfortunately, more mistakes continue to pile up…
The APEC Summit: A Missed Opportunity
From October 31 to November 1, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit took place in Gyeongju, South Korea. This significant forum brings together 21 countries from Asia and the Americas bordering the Pacific Ocean, representing approximately 60% of global GDP. Claudia Sheinbaum (CS), the Mexican president, decided not to attend this crucial meeting for the second time.
In 2024, CS canceled her attendance due to lingering tensions with Peru’s government, the host nation. She faced harsh criticism for inheriting a dispute from her predecessor and failing to separate national interests from personal caprices and ideological stances.
Importance of Attending International Forums
CS’s presence in these forums, where other leaders gather, is crucial since opportunities to engage in face-to-face dialogues with fellow heads of state are rare. Had CS possessed a more sophisticated understanding of international relations, she could have engaged in direct conversations with China’s Xi Jinping, South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung, Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney in South Korea.
Former U.S. President Trump did not attend, but he held a productive meeting with Xi Jinping the day before. The only Latin American leader present was Chile’s President Boric, highlighting his commitment to economic relations with the Asia-Pacific region.
Lost Opportunities for Mexico
CS’s absence at the APEC summit was a missed chance to learn about international relations among leaders and gain experience in building international connections. By sending Foreign Affairs Secretary Ebrard instead, CS demonstrated a lack of understanding regarding the significance of engaging with her peers.
In Mexico’s current trade climate, where opening new markets is essential, CS could have benefited from bilateral meetings with Xi and Takaichi to discuss the challenging Trans-Pacific Alliance (T-MEC) situation, excluding Canada from trade discussions as Trump did.
UN Ambassador’s Cuban Embargo Statement: A Misunderstanding
Another recent blunder was Mexico’s UN ambassador, Héctor Vasconcelos’, statement calling for the elimination of the “economic blockade” on Cuba, unaware that it has been an embargo since 1960. The SRE’s official post mentioning the “blockade” further exacerbated the situation, causing Mexico’s reliability as an ally to be questioned by subsecretary Landau.
Vacuous Slogans and the Degradation of Mexico’s Foreign Policy
CS prefers to base foreign policy on empty slogans like “we are not anyone’s piñata” and “Mexico is respected.” This has trivialized Mexico’s foreign policy under the 4T administration.
