Japan Embassy Responds to Biden’s “Xenophobic” Label
WASHINGTON — The US embassy of Japan has fired back at Joe Biden’s recent comments labeling Japan as “xenophobic,” calling them “unfortunate” and “not based on an accurate understanding” of the country.
During a campaign fundraising event, President Biden mentioned that Japan, India, China, and Russia “don’t want immigrants,” sparking controversy and drawing criticism from both US and foreign observers.
Biden’s remarks, delivered to an Asian-American audience, questioned why certain countries were facing economic challenges, attributing it to their “xenophobic” stance on immigration.
The White House later clarified that Biden’s comments were intended to emphasize the strength that immigrants bring to the US, rather than undermine relationships with other nations.
Japan’s embassy acknowledged the clarification but expressed disappointment that the comments did not reflect the country’s policies accurately.
Despite Japan’s traditionally strict immigration rules, recent changes have been made to address a declining population.
These comments come shortly after Biden praised the US-Japan alliance as “unbreakable” during a visit by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Washington, reinforcing the strong relationship between the two nations.
China also criticized Biden’s remarks, with a columnist from the state-owned China Daily accusing him of having a “serious mental disease” for constantly targeting China.
India has not directly responded to Biden’s comments, but an economist and journalist from the country argued that it was inaccurate to suggest that India does not welcome immigrants, noting the diverse range of individuals who come to the country for various reasons.
Public opinion polls in the US indicate dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of immigration, particularly at the US-Mexico border. — BBC
