During a campaign fundraising event, President Joe Biden characterized Japan and India, crucial allies of the United States, alongside China and Russia, as nations failing to harness the economic benefits of migration due to what he described as "xenophobia." His remarks, delivered without recording, highlighted his concerns about how hostility towards foreigners was impeding their progress.
Continuing with the news:
1. The UK initiates detaining asylum seekers with plans for deportation to Rwanda.
2. Ireland considers returning asylum seekers to the UK, as reported.
3. Three arrests made by UK police regarding the deaths of five individuals in the English Channel.
4. Tragic incident off Djibouti coast as a boat carrying asylum seekers capsizes, resulting in 16 casualties, including children, according to the UN.
Biden highlighted the significance of immigrants in fueling the nation's economic growth during an event commemorating the start of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Expressing his viewpoint, he questioned the economic challenges faced by countries like China, Japan, Russia, and India, attributing their struggles to xenophobia and reluctance towards immigration. The mention of Japan and India garnered attention, given Biden's focused efforts to bolster relations with both nations since assuming office in 2021.
Just three weeks ago, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was welcomed to the White House for a state dinner, underscoring the strength of the bond between the two nations as they celebrated their "unbreakable" partnership. During the event, President Biden emphasized the shared values and mutual dedication to democracy, freedom, and dignity that unite the United States and Japan.
Last year, he hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House for a state visit.
Additionally, Japan and India are both members of the Quad security grouping.
The White House moved to minimize the significance of the president's comments on Thursday.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby addressed reporters, emphasizing the broader message conveyed by the president. Kirby stressed that the United States, being a nation built by immigrants, has a deep-rooted identity intertwined with immigration. He highlighted that this sentiment is widely acknowledged worldwide.
Kirby further reassured that the president holds immense respect for allies, values their friendship, and appreciates their contributions.
Japan maintains the lowest migration rate among Group of Seven nations, yet it has gradually begun welcoming outsiders to address its swiftly aging population.
Currently, immigrants make up no more than 2 percent of Japan's population, a notable contrast to the 14 percent seen in the United States.
India has surpassed China to become the world's most populous nation. Earlier this year, it enacted a new citizenship law that expedites naturalization for non-Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Notably, all three countries have Muslim-majority populations, marking the first instance where India has established religious criteria for citizenship.
As of now, neither Japan nor India has issued a response to the remarks.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES