Biden calls longtime ally Japan “xenophobic,” along with China and Russia

[Pelican Press 0]

Biden calls longtime ally Japan “xenophobic,” along with China and Russia

Biden hosts Japan’s Kishida for state dinner

Biden welcomes Japan’s Kishida to White House for state dinner

05:08

President Biden on Wednesday called longtime ally Japan “xenophobic,” along with China and Russia, blaming their economies’ recent performances on ******* prejudice. 

The president made those remarks during an off-camera fundraiser to mark the beginning of ****** ********* and Pacific Islander heritage month in Washington, D.C., three weeks after he hosted ********* Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife for an elaborate state dinner at the White House. 

“You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others —why?” the president said. “Because we welcome immigrants. We look to — the reason — look, think about it. Why is China stalling so bad economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? … Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants. Immigrants are what makes us strong! Not a joke. That’s not hyperbole. Because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and contribute. This community’s vote will be critical in —  from Virginia to George to Nevada. I know we could do a lot together. A lot more.”

The White House has not responded with a request to clarify his remarks. 

President Joe Biden, center right, and first lady Jill Biden, right, welcome ********* Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, center left, and his wife Yuko Kishida for a State Dinner at the White House, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington.

Susan Walsh / AP

It’s not clear how the president’s off-camera comments will land with ********* officials. Last month, when Mr. Biden hosted Kishida, he called the two nations’ ties “unbreakable,” and said the two nations share the “same values, the same commitment to democracy and freedom to dignity.”

Japan has the lowest immigration rate of the Group of Seven advanced economies. No more than 2% of its population are immigrants.

In the U.S., foreign-born immigrants make up about 14% of the population, according to the Census Bureau.  

Kathryn Watson

Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital based in Washington, D.C.

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