President Joe Biden recently sparked controversy when he referred to close US ally Japan as “xenophobic” during a fundraiser in Washington, D.C. He also mentioned India, Russia, and China as countries that would benefit economically by embracing immigration more.
The comments were initially made off-camera, and an initial report did not include India in the list of countries mentioned. However, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre later clarified that Biden was trying to emphasize the importance of immigrants in the US.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that there had been no communications between the White House and the governments of Japan or India regarding Biden’s remarks. This is not the first time Biden has called Japan “xenophobic,” as he made similar comments during an interview with a Spanish language radio station in March.
This critique of Japan comes just weeks after hosting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit and almost a year after hosting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his own state visit. Japan has been facing a demographic crisis with implications for their workforce and economy.
Biden’s comments also come at a time when he is facing political pressure over his immigration policies amid an influx of migrants and criticism from Republicans. It remains to be seen how these remarks will impact US-Japan relations moving forward. Stay tuned to Celebrity Beauty Buzz for more updates.
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