New Delhi: USA President Joe Biden has drawn criticism for labeling key U.S. allies Japan and India as "xenophobic" nations, remarks that caught many by surprise given his administration's efforts to deepen ties with the two countries.
During a campaign fundraising event not open to media, Biden suggested that hostility towards immigrants was hindering economic growth in Japan, India, China, and Russia.
"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. Immigrants are what makes us strong," Biden stated.
The comments about Japan and India were unexpected as the president has made strengthening partnerships with the two nations a priority since taking office in 2021. Just last month, Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state dinner, celebrating the countries' "unbreakable" alliance. He also welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a state visit in 2022.
Both Japan and India are members of the Quad strategic security dialogue alongside the U.S. and Australia. The White House downplayed Biden's xenophobic characterization on Thursday.
"The broader point the president was making is that the United States is a nation of immigrants, and it's in our DNA," said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. "Our allies know very well how much the president respects them."
Japan has one of the lowest levels of immigration among G7 nations at just 2% of its population, compared to 14% in the U.S. However, it has slowly opened its doors amid a rapidly aging society.
India recently passed a citizenship law expediting naturalization for non-Muslims from nearby Muslim-majority nations, marking the first time India has had religion-based criteria.
