Biden Calls Ally Japan 'Xenophobic' Alongside China and Russia Despite Defense Ties

US President Joe Biden included ally Japan along with rivals China and Russia in a list of countries he called 'xenophobic' during a campaign fundraising event in Washington. Biden reiterated his previous remarks linking China's economic troubles to its unwillingness to accept immigration, and this time he added Russia and Japan to the list.

The fact that Biden criticized Japan, a longstanding US ally, alongside two major US rivals could raise concerns in Tokyo, especially given the recent 'significant upgrade' to the US-Japan defense ties to counter China's actions in the Indo-Pacific region. The President stated that the reason the US economy is growing is because the country welcomes immigrants, while China, Japan, and Russia are struggling economically due to their 'xenophobic' attitudes towards immigrants.

Why this matters: Biden's remarks come despite the recent summit between him and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, where they discussed strengthening the US-Japan alliance. The comments could strain diplomatic relations between the two countries at a time when cooperation is crucial to address regional challenges posed by China.

Japan's government acknowledges the country's aging and shrinking population as a source of concern, and it has been gradually opening the door to more immigrants to fill labor shortages. However, Japan still has restrictive immigration laws that make it difficult to attract foreign workers.

Experts say Biden's comments were unnecessary and could be seen as the US talking down to Japan, which is not an effective way to address the country's societal problems. "Japan is grappling with demographic challenges, including an aging and declining population, and has been trying to attract more foreign workers, though its restrictive immigration laws make it difficult," according to the provided summaries.

Key Takeaways

• Biden called Japan, China, and Russia 'xenophobic' on immigration.
• Biden's remarks could strain US-Japan ties amid China challenges.
• Japan faces demographic issues and has restrictive immigration laws.
• Experts say Biden's comments were unnecessary and counterproductive.
• The US-Japan alliance is crucial to address regional challenges posed by China.