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(CNN)Biden calls US ally Japan ‘xenophobic’ along with India, Russia and China

Release Date: 2024-05-02
Media: CNN
Summary: President Joe Biden recently referred to Japan, along with India, Russia, and China, as "xenophobic" during a private fundraiser in Washington, D.C. Biden argued that these countries would perform better economically if they embraced immigration, citing the U.S.'s success in part due to its welcoming stance toward immigrants. He suggested that Japan and other nations are struggling economically because they reject immigration.

Biden's comments sparked attention, especially coming shortly after he praised the U.S.-Japan alliance during a state dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in April. In response, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified that Biden was making a broader point about the U.S.'s identity as a nation of immigrants, and emphasized that the U.S.-Japan relationship remains strong and important.

Biden had made similar remarks about Japan, Russia, and China being "xenophobic" in an interview in March. His comments come amid political challenges over U.S. immigration policy, as well as a demographic crisis in Japan, which has been reluctant to use immigration as a solution to its economic and workforce issues. Despite the controversy, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reaffirmed that Biden values the capabilities of Japan and India in various areas, not just security.

Biden’s remarks about Japan and India as “xenophobic” were framed as part of a larger commentary on the role of immigration in economic success.
Tags: Immigration Policy

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