Biden labels China, Russia, and US ally Japan as “xenophobic.”

TFD – Dive into the controversy stirred by President Joe Biden’s accusations of “xenophobia” against Japan regarding its immigration policies. Understand the implications for international relations and diplomatic ties.

At a Washington, D.C., fundraiser on Wednesday, President Joe Biden referred to close US ally Japan as “xenophobic,” just weeks after applauding the US-Japan alliance at a state dinner.

The president stated as much, claiming that countries like China, Russia, and Japan would all prosper economically if they welcomed immigration more.

“You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants,” Biden said, according to reporters traveling with the president at a fundraiser with Asian American and Pacific Islander supporters. “The reason – look, think about it. Why is China stalling so bad economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia?”

He answered, “Because they’re xenophobic.” They oppose immigration. It is the immigrants that give us strength.

Similar accusations of “xenophobia” were made by Biden in March during an interview with a Spanish-language radio station about China, Russia, and Japan.

At the time, the president declared, “The Japanese, the Chinese, they’re xenophobic, they don’t want any – the Russians, they don’t want to have people, other than Russians, Chinese, or Japanese.”

Less than a month has passed since he welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit before making his most recent criticism of Japan.

At the state dinner held at the White House in April, Biden said Japan and the US share “the same values, the same commitment to democracy and freedom to dignity.”

During the event, Biden stated, “And today, without a doubt, our alliance is literally stronger than it has ever been.”

Japan has long been plagued by a demographic issue that has had a significant impact on the labor force and economy of the nation. For the most part, East Asian countries like Japan have avoided employing immigration to increase their population.

The president’s remarks coincide with political pressure he is experiencing domestically over his own immigration policy, as well as criticism from Republicans and limited resources to handle the influx of migrants.

This story has been updated with additional information.