2024-05-04 06:27:15
Updated 8 hours ago
Debusman Jr. burned BBC News, Washington
US President Joe Biden said on the night of January 1 that Japan and India suffered from “xenophobia” and were countries that “don’t want to accept immigrants”, comparing them to Russia and the China.
Speaking at a fundraising event attended by many Asian Americans, President Biden said November’s presidential election would be regarding “freedom, America and democracy,” and added: “Why? Because we welcome immigrants.”
“Think: why is China so stagnant economically? Why is Japan in such trouble? Why is Russia suffering from such stagnation? Because we don’t want immigrants to come. »
From the 8th to the 14th of this month, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida paid an official visit to the United States. At the time, President Biden said the U.S.-Japan alliance was “strong.”
As for India,US Department of StateAlthough the United States has expressed concerns regarding the human rights situation in India, India is also an important partner country for the United States.
White Houseexplains that President Biden did not intend to offend either Japan or India.
White House strategic communications coordinator John Kirby also said the president’s remarks were regarding U.S. immigration policy in general.
“Our allies and partners know first-hand how much President Biden values our friendship and cooperation,” the president said. “Countries understand that they value it,” Kirby said.
The Japanese Embassy in the United States said on the 3rd that it was aware of the explanation provided by the United States and commented: “It is regrettable that this statement is not based on an accurate understanding of the politics of Japan. »
The Japanese government has had some of the strictest immigration policies in the world for decades, but in recent years it has moved to accept more foreign workers as the country’s population declines.
Is this a storm in a bowl?
In the United States, voices are being raised to criticize President Biden’s comments.
He was deputy secretary of defense in the Trump administration.Mr. Elbridge Colbysaid on social media that Japan and India are “particularly strong and important allies.” “Both countries deserve our respect, and we must approach them with respect,” he wrote.
Mr. Colby also criticized Mr. Biden, saying: “It is patronizing and foolish to impose America’s innovative ideas on cooperating countries. »
Sadanand Dhume, a South Asia researcher at the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington, told the BBC that Biden’s comments would not be welcome in India, where “nationalism is on the rise.”
“Some Indians think that, sir, I am sure these people will not be happy to be lumped in with the nation.”
In late April, the US State Department said there were “substantial” cases of human rights violations in India.Announcement of the report on the situation of human rightsdid. The Indian government criticized the decision, calling it “deeply prejudiced and demonstrating a very poor understanding of India.”
However, Doumais said the long-term impact of President Biden’s comments will be minimal, calling them a “storm in a bowl” and that “there is no chance this will have a major impact on relations between the United States and India.
The Indian government did not directly respond to Biden’s comments, but Indian economist Madhavan Narayanan told the UAE-based National newspaper that statements regarding India’s refusal to accept migrants were “inaccurate” . “India has long been an attractive destination both for low-wage workers from poor countries like Bangladesh, as well as well-paid foreigners,” he said.
During the 2020 presidential election, Biden accused then-President Donald Trump of being xenophobic and xenophobic as he campaigned for a crackdown on illegal immigration.Currently, party critics in power and opposition are increasing over measures taken at the border between the United States and Mexico, and Mr. Biden is also concerned regarding the acceptance of immigrants.Attitude to strengthen restrictionsIt is designed to show off.
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