US President Joe Biden's recent comment characterizing Japan and India as 'xenophobic' nations has drawn criticism and sparked controversy. Biden made the comment during a campaign fundraising event, where he argued that these countries would perform better economically if they embraced immigration. However, both Japan and India have rejected Biden's characterization and defended their openness and pluralism.
The Japanese government expressed disappointment regarding Biden's comments, emphasizing the misinterpretation of Japanese policy by the United States. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed concern about the United States' misunderstanding of Japan's stance on immigration. Despite the discontent with the comments, Hayashi emphasized the firmness of ties between Japan and the United States. Japan has historically been cautious regarding immigration, opting for restrictive policies. Prime Minister Kishida has ruled out implementing a comprehensive immigration program, highlighting resistance in Japanese society toward the continued and unlimited entry of foreign workers [76d97f4f].
India, another key US ally in the Indo-Pacific region, also rejected Biden's characterization of the country as 'xenophobic'. The US White House has now applauded Indian citizens for exercising their right to vote and called India a vibrant democracy. White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby clarified that Biden was making a broader point about the vibrancy of democracy in the United States. The US-India relationship has strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with initiatives launched and collaboration on critical emerging technologies and the Indo-Pacific quad. The White House expressed gratitude for Modi's leadership [76d97f4f] [12eeac23] [224cfd40] [f9bd4edd] [f073d57e].
Adding to the context, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently stated that the Biden administration has significantly expanded America's relationship with India over the past four years. He highlighted that NATO has been strengthened, with 50 countries focused on security assistance to Ukraine, and noted improvements in relations with the Philippines, reversing a previous decline. Austin emphasized that Japan has doubled its defense investment, reinforcing the Indo-Pacific as a key focus area, described as a 'pacing challenge' for the United States [212f05be].
The comments made by President Biden have been criticized for denigrating key US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Both Japan and India are crucial to the US Indo-Pacific strategy, as they have two of the largest economies and defense budgets in the world. The US-Japanese alliance and the US-India partnership are based on shared values and interests in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Biden's remarks have raised concerns about the impact on these important relationships [76d97f4f].
In addition to the controversy over Biden's remarks, a recent report by Vox.com reveals that a foreign government, believed to be India, is engaging in a secret campaign to threaten and harass American citizens and permanent residents who criticize its authoritarian turn. The campaign includes tactics such as interrogations, surveillance, threats, travel bans, and even assassination plots. The Indian government is targeting a wide range of individuals, including journalists, activists, academics, and politicians, who speak out against the declining state of India's democracy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The campaign has created a climate of fear and self-censorship among Indian Americans and has successfully muted criticism of India's autocratic turn in the United States. The Biden administration has been reluctant to confront Modi on human rights and democracy issues, prioritizing the strategic partnership with India in countering China. However, there are calls for the US to take a stronger stance and demand that India cease its repression of American citizens and residents [57bd1973].