After US President Joe Biden referred to Japan and India as “xenophobic” countries that do not welcome immigrants, the White House clarified his statement, saying he was making a “broader point.”
“He was making a broader point. Our allies and partners know very well that how much this president respects them,” stated White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre on Thursday.
“Speaking about this country and speaking about how important it is to be a country of immigrants and how it makes our country stronger. And so, that’s what he was talking about, she said. It relates to our relationship with our allies, that continues. Obviously, we have a strong relationship with India (and) with Japan. And the President, if you just look at the last three years, has certainly focused on those diplomatic relationships,” Jean-Pierre added.
Biden made the remark during a campaign fundraising event on Wednesday, where he referred to Japan and India as “xenophobic,” grouping them alongside Russia and China as countries that “don’t want immigrants.”
During the event, Biden emphasised that the US election in November was centered around “freedom, America, and democracy.”
“You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants,” he said.
Further adding: “We look to the reason look, think about it. 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.”
The US President hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a State Visit last year, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited the White House in April for an official visit. Biden has faced criticism from his opponents and the Republican Party for his immigration policies, as hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants enter the United States every month.
Immigration remains a contentious issue in the upcoming November 5 presidential election, where Biden will be challenged by former president Donald Trump, the presumptive candidate from the Republican Party.
(With inputs from agencies)
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