President Joe Biden, aged 81, made a statement on Wednesday declaring that Japan, along with Russia and China, is “xenophobic.” Japan has been a longstanding ally of the United States and serves as a counterbalance to China’s increasing aggression in the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, Biden had sought to build trust with Japan by hosting Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a summit and state dinner in April.
During a campaign fundraiser in Washington to mark the beginning of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Biden highlighted the strength of the U.S. economy, attributing it to the country’s welcoming stance towards immigrants. He contrasted the United States with Japan, China, and Russia, suggesting that their alleged economic struggles were due to their xenophobic attitudes towards immigrants.
Biden’s statement received criticism for his remarks about Japan, with Jeffrey Hall, a Japanese studies lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies in Chiba, expressing that it was not diplomatic to speak negatively about a close ally. Hall cautioned against talking down to the Japanese, emphasizing that a more effective approach would involve constructive dialogue to address societal issues.
In addition to the criticism over his comments on Japan, Biden has faced scrutiny for recent gaffes and struggles with clear communication. Videos have captured instances where he misread teleprompter cues, leading to awkward pauses in his speeches. Concerns have been raised about Biden’s mental fitness, with polls indicating doubts among Democrats and the broader American public about his ability to serve another term as President.
