The White House moved swiftly to address President Joe Biden‘s recent characterization of Japan as “xenophobic,” clarifying that his remarks were intended to underscore the importance of immigration to the United States rather than to criticize the ally.
Biden’s comments, made during a fundraising event targeting Asian American voters as part of his 2024 presidential campaign, sparked concern and confusion regarding his assessment of Japan and other countries.
According to White House reports, Biden’s statement aimed to highlight the United States’ position as a welcoming nation for immigrants, attributing its economic growth in part to its diverse population.
President Biden (Credits: Common Dreams)
While addressing the audience at a Washington hotel, Biden contrasted this stance with what he perceived as economic challenges faced by China, Russia, Japan, and India, suggesting that these nations’ reluctance to embrace immigrants could be hindering their economic progress.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre and national security spokesman John Kirby stressed that Biden’s comments were not intended as a direct criticism of Japan or India but rather as a broader commentary on the importance of immigration to national prosperity.
They emphasized the enduring commitment and friendship between the United States and its allies, including Japan, highlighting recent interactions between President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as evidence of their strong partnership.
The fundraising event, occurring on the first day of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, provided an opportunity for Biden to underscore his administration’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
President Joe Biden (Credits: Salon.com)
In his remarks, he also took aim at former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, characterizing them as anti-immigrant and contrasting them with his own administration’s values.
Biden’s proclamation marking the heritage month called on Americans to educate themselves about the histories of Asian Americans, native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as racism and hate crimes.
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to upholding the principle of equality for all citizens, emphasizing the need to combat discrimination and ensure equal treatment throughout people’s lives.
