President Joe Biden called U.S. ally Japan “xenophobic” just weeks after hosting the country’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, for talks and a ritzy state dinner in the nation’s capital.
He made the comment on Wednesday during a campaign reception in Washington, D.C., while arguing that immigration can help to create strong economies, according to a transcript from the White House.
“You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants. We look to — the reason — look, think about it,” Biden said.
“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,” he added.
“Immigrants is [sic] what makes us strong,” Biden continued. “Not a joke. That’s not hyperbole. Because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and just contribute.”
Although Japan entered a recession amid a population decline this year, losing its spot at the world’s third-largest economy, local media reported in March how government data showed the nation hit a record of 3.4 million foreign residents in 2023 as employment-related visas rose to meet demand created by a labor shortage.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations, was among those who criticized Biden for calling Japan “xenophobic” alongside U.S. adversaries China and Russia.
“That is why his staff doesn’t want him speaking without those note cards,” Rubio quipped on X, alluding to concerns about Biden’s mental state as he runs for a second term in this year’s presidential election.
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Last month, during a state dinner at the White House with Kishida and a milieu of dignitaries, Biden praised Japan during a toast.
“Well, we are the same, Japan and the United States. Many — we may be divided by distance, but the — generations after generation, we’ve been brought together — the same hopes, the same values, the same commitment to democracy and freedom and to dignity for all,” he said.
Biden added, “And today, without question, our alliance is literally stronger than it has even been.”
