Joe Biden accuses India, Japan, China and Russia of being ‘xenophobic’ countries

Both friends and enemies, Joe Biden shoots on sight. The American president called China and Russia, rivals of the United States, and India and Japan, Washington’s allies, “xenophobic” countries during a campaign meeting this Wednesday.

“Why is China so slow economically? Why are there problems in Japan? And Russia? What about India? Because they are xenophobes. They don’t need immigrants,” the American president said, according to his remarks, a transcript of which was made public only on Thursday.

The 81-year-old Democrat attended a campaign rally dedicated to Asian Americans. He will seek a second term in November, facing former Republican President Donald Trump. These campaign events are not filmed or recorded, but several journalists attend and provide written reports.

“We welcome immigrants”

“One of the reasons our economy is growing is because of you and others. For what ? Because we welcome immigrants,” Joe Biden said.

If China and Russia are rivals of the US, then his comments about Japan and India are surprising. Since becoming president, Joe Biden has sought to strengthen ties with America’s allies in Asia, particularly New Delhi and Tokyo. For example, he hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at state dinners, a rare sign of diplomatic goodwill.

“The point that the president has been making, and I think people around the world know this, is that the United States is a country of immigrants, it’s in our DNA,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby explained Thursday. . press interview. “Our allies know very well how much the president respects them, how much he values ​​their friendship, their contributions,” he added.