Biden Calls Allies India, Japan 'Xenophobic'

Facts

• At a Washington fundraiser on Wednesday, Pres. Joe Biden called key US allies India and Japan 'xenophobic,' alongside adversaries Russia and China, arguing New Delhi and Tokyo have been struggling economically because 'they don't want immigrants.'¹
• Speaking at an event that marked the start of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Biden said the US economy continues to grow partly because 'we welcome immigrants,' who he asserted make the country 'strong.'²
• However, the White House sought to downplay the president's remarks on Thursday, with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre arguing that Biden was attempting to make a broader point about the US stance on immigration.³
• Biden's remarks come after the White House hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a state dinner in 2023, while Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made an official visit to the US just three weeks ago. India and Japan are two of the US' QUAD partners.⁴
• Japan has maintained a closed-door stance on immigration despite a shrinking population due to its low birth rate. Meanwhile, India has enacted a new law that gives citizenship to religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.⁵
• The International Monetary Fund estimates that Asia, led by India and China, will drive 60% of global GDP growth this year. According to its regional economic outlook, the region's growth reached 5.0% in 2023 and is projected to grow 4.5% in 2024.⁶

Sources: ¹NBC, ²Al Jazeera, ³CNN, ⁴The Economic Times, ⁵Associated Press and ⁶Nikkei Asia.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by New York Times. Washington's relationship with its Asian allies is both important and enduring. The US president was simply making a broader point about the country's immigration policy. He meant no offense to India or Japan, as they share the same commitment to democracy, freedom, and dignity as America.
• Narrative B, as provided by BBC News. Grouping key allies, particularly when it comes to combating China, with longtime adversaries is irrational, especially when the US has its own problems with xenophobia. It's patronizing to disrespect India — the fastest-growing major economy in the world — and Japan — the first Asian country to achieve the developed economy label.

Predictions