During a speech at a campaign fundraising event in Washington, US President Joe Biden described Japan as “Xenophobic.” He also labeled competitors China, Russia, and even India as ‘xenophobic.’ In his speech Biden restated his views from last month, tying China’s economic troubles to its refusal to welcome immigrants. However, this time he included Russia as well as longtime friend Japan, whose Prime Minister Fumio Kishida he hosted for a summit and state dinner in Washington four weeks ago. On Wednesday Biden boasted about the American economy to a group of Asian Pacific donors. He declared the strength of the American economy heavily flourished due to the acceptance of immigrants. Biden’s speech to the crowd read:
The reason – look, think about it. Why is China stalling so bad economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic, they don’t want immigrants.
Furthermore, it is known that China and Russia are rivals of the United States. They are rival powers with strained foreign ties to the West. On the other hand, Japan and India are seen as major allies of the U.S. So Biden’s claim that these countries’ lower levels of immigration compared to the United States are driving their distinct economic problems was startling.
Biden continue his argument stating that this countries opposed immigrants. But immigrants are what makes us strong. We are able to see that hard through the immigrants that want to be here in the U.S. and contribute.
Reactions to Biden’s Strong Claims
Currently, there’s a lot of concern and surprise over Biden calling Japan ‘Xenophobic’ to Defend U.S. immigrants. In fact some of the individuals that have communicated their feelings towards this issue have been several Japanese lawmakers. This individuals have reacted to Biden’s comments on social media, expressing confusion or skepticism towards the president’s attitude. Mizuho Umemura, a member of the conservative Nippon Ishin no Kai Party who holds a seat in the House of Councilors said that migration is a subject that European authorities are also battling with. Currently, no countries have overcome this challenge.
Umemura also continue her statement saying:
I hope that President Biden will solve the problem in New York before he says things like this. Depending on the presidential election, there could be a 180-degree change in policy, and there is no need for Japan to follow suit.
Another response on this matter came from Sansei Party leader Sohei Kamiya, a fellow House of Councilors member and right-wing populist. Kamiya was more direct in his response to Biden’s comment, stating that one of the main reasons they do not accept and embrace similar immigration practices is due to the United States’ “failures” produced by immigration. He remarked that they are not ‘xenophobic’ about this topic, but rather cautious after witnessing so many failures. Kamiya then concluded his comments, claiming Biden was meddling too much in their internal affairs.
Additionally, many people found Biden’s remark to India strange. Their economy is one of the fastest growing among major nations, and unlike Japan and China, their population is young and expanding.
Donald Trump takes Advantage of the Situation
In addition, Biden calling Japan ‘Xenophobic’ to defend U.S. immigrants came amid a backdrop of political divisiveness. With former President Donald Trump utilizing campaign rallies to promote his anti-immigrant policies. Trump’s criticism centered on border security and the perceived failures of Biden’s immigration policy, heightening tensions over the subject. However, Trump omitted or forgot to mention the fact that illegal border crossings also increased significantly during his presidency.
Regardless of the facts, Trump had the nerve to tell supporters in Freeland, “They’re coming in by the millions. That’s why, in November, the people of Michigan will tell ‘Crooked’ Joe Biden: you’re fired. “Get out of here.” Moreover, Donald Trump, unlike Joe Biden, has mentioned the possibility of employing US military soldiers to carry out a mass deportation scheme, despite a federal rule that prohibits the employment of active-duty forces on US land without a congressional permission.
Overall, there were many people in those countries who were offended by Biden’s words, as well as some who defended Biden, stating that despite the comments they are aware of how much the president “respects” and “values” them. Others defended their views on immigration, citing the increase of diversity in their country over the years.
Written by Nohemi Sanchez
Sources
Fox News: Biden calls Japan ‘Xenophobic’ for not accepting many immigrants, compares to China, Russia
Bloomberg: Biden Calls Ally Japan ‘Xenophobic’ Along With China, Russia
Roll Call: Biden calls allies India, Japan ‘Xenophobic’ at fundraiser with Asia American donors
Featured Image Courtesy of Matt Johnson Flickr Page – Creative Common License
First Inset Image Courtesy of U.S. Naval War College Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Second Inset Image Courtesy of Matt Johnson Flickr Page – Creative Common License
