Japan has told the United States that President Joe Biden’s recent remarks describing the Asian nation as “xenophobic” were disappointing, a source close to the matter said Friday.
The Japanese government told the U.S. side that Biden’s comments, made at a fundraising event on Wednesday ahead of the 2024 presidential election, were not based on an accurate understanding of Japan’s policy, according to the source.
At the event attended by many Asian American voters, Biden said, “You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants,” according to the White House.
While lauding immigration and diversity as key strengths of the United States, Biden was quoted as saying at a Washington hotel, “Look, think about it. Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic.They don’t want immigrants.”
On Thursday, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre sought to play down Biden’s remarks, saying his aim was to highlight how important it is for the United States to be a country of immigrants.
