President Biden Calls Japan ‘Xenophobic’ in Fundraiser Speech

President Biden Calls Japan “Xenophobic” in Fundraiser Speech

US-Japan Alliance under Fire

President Joe Biden recently made controversial remarks at a Washington, D.C., fundraiser, referring to close US ally Japan as “xenophobic.” This comment has sparked concerns about the future of the US-Japan alliance and has attracted considerable attention globally.

Biden Argues for Embracing Immigration

During the off-camera event, President Biden argued that countries like Japan, China, Russia, and India would experience greater economic success if they embraced immigration more. He stated, “They’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants.” These remarks by the President have raised eyebrows and led to a debate about the importance of immigration in economic growth.

Official Clarification and White House Response

Following the public controversy, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified that President Biden was making a larger point about the nation’s identity as a nation of immigrants. Jean-Pierre emphasized the enduring importance of the US-Japan relationship and stated that future remarks would be at the discretion of the President. The National Security Council also affirmed that President Biden values the capabilities brought by countries like Japan, China, and India, beyond security-related concerns.

Global Implications and Historical Context

President Biden’s comments about Japan being “xenophobic” come at a time when Japan has been grappling with a demographic crisis and an aging workforce. The country, along with other East Asian nations, has traditionally been wary of using immigration as a means to boost their populations. This issue is a recurring topic in Japan’s economic and social debates, and President Biden’s remarks have added to the ongoing national dialogue.

Impact on US-Japan Relations and Biden’s Prior Engagements

The criticism of Japan comes less than a month after President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit, aiming to strengthen the US-Japan alliance and counter China’s influence. Biden’s comments have raised questions about the continuity of these diplomatic efforts. However, it is important to note that at the state dinner in April, President Biden highlighted the shared values and commitment to democracy between Japan and the United States.

Perspective on President Biden’s Overall Immigration Policies

The President’s comments on Japan’s “xenophobia” come amid ongoing debates about immigration policies in the United States. President Biden’s own immigration policies have faced political pressure, with critics from the Republican Party highlighting challenges in handling the influx of migrants and limited resources. These remarks and the broader immigration issue continue to shape public discourse and influence political discussions within the country.

Quoted Sources and Updates

The quotes and information in this article are taken from official White House transcripts and additional reporting. It is worth mentioning that CNN’s Jessie Yeung contributed to the report.