President Biden’s Controversial Remarks on Japan and India: White House Clarifies Intentions

Updated 8 hours ago

Debusman Jr shot BBC News, Washington

US President Joe Biden said on the eve of the first day that Japan and India have “xenophobia” and are countries that “don’t want to accept immigrants,” comparing them to Russia and China.

Speaking at a campaign fundraiser attended by many Asian Americans, President Biden said the presidential election this November would be about “freedom, America and democracy,” and said, “Why? Because we welcome immigrants. “

“Think about it: Why is China so economically unstable? Why is Japan in so much trouble? Why India hates foreigners.

The Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida, visited the United States from the 8th to the 14th of this month. At the time, President Biden said the alliance between the United States and Japan is “strong.”

As for India,US Department of StateAlthough the United States has expressed concerns about the human rights situation in India, India is also an important partner country for the United States.

White Houseexplaining that President Biden did not intend to offend either Japan or India.

White House Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby also said that the president’s views on US immigration policy were general.

“Our friends and partners know in hard ways how much President Biden values ​​our friendship and cooperation,” the president (Countries) said understanding that they are emphasizing this,” Kirby emphasized.

The Japanese embassy in the United States said on the 3rd that it was aware of the explanation given by the United States, and said, “It is unfortunate that the statement was not based on a correct understanding of Japan’s policy.”

The Japanese government has had some of the strictest immigration policies in the world for decades, but in recent years has moved to accept more foreign workers as its population grows. the country’s decline.

There are voices that criticize what President Biden said in the United States.

He served as deputy defense secretary in the Trump administration.Mr. Elbridge Colbyhe said on social media that Japan and India are “particularly strong and important friends of ours”. “Both countries deserve our respect, and we should treat them with respect,” he wrote.

Mr. Colby also criticized Mr. Biden, saying, “It is patronizing and foolish to impose America’s own innovative ideas on cooperating countries.”

Sadanand Dhume, a South Asia researcher at the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington, told the BBC that Mr Biden’s comments would not be welcome in India, where “nationalism is on the rise”.

“There is an opinion among some Indians that Mr. I am sure these people will not be happy to be lumped together with the country.

In late April, the US State Department said there were “substantial” cases of human rights violations in India.Report on human rights situation publisheddid. The Indian government criticized this, saying it was “deeply biased and shows a very poor understanding of India.” “

However, Doumais said President Biden’s comments will have little long-term impact, calling it a “storm in a bowl” and “unlikely to have a big impact.” on the relationship between the USA and India.

The Indian government has not responded directly to Biden’s comments, but Indian economist Madhavan Narayanan told the United Arab Emirates-based national newspaper that reports of India’s willingness to accept migrants ” incorrect”. “India has long been an attractive destination for both low-paid workers from poor countries such as Bangladesh as well as well-paid foreigners,” he said.

During the 2020 presidential election, Biden accused then-President Donald Trump of being xenophobic and xenophobic, while campaigning for a crackdown on illegal immigration. There is growing concern from both the governing and opposition parties regarding measures at the US-Mexico border, and Mr. Biden is also concerned about accepting immigrants.An idea to strengthen restrictionsIt is designed to show.