News Biden calls Japan xenophobic

[thomas]

During a recent campaign fundraising event in Washington, U.S. President Biden referred to Japan, along with China and Russia, as "xenophobic." This statement was a surprise, considering Japan's status as a longstanding ally of the United States. Biden had previously linked China's economic challenges to its reluctance to accept immigrants, and this time, he extended the characterization to include Russia and Japan.

Notably, just three weeks before this speech, PM Kishida visited Washington for a summit and state dinner, during which Biden reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance. The inclusion of Japan in this context has raised questions about the delicate balance between candid assessments and diplomatic relations among allies.

I would say it raises questions about someone's mental capacities.

​

"You know, one of the reasons our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants," Biden told Asian American and Pacific Islander donors Wednesday. "The reason — think about it — why is China stalling so bad economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia, why is anyone? Because they're xenophobic, they don't want immigrants." His criticisms and the fact that Japan was mentioned alongside two major U.S. rivals could raise hackles in Tokyo. The U.S. and Japan announced a "significant upgrade" to their defense ties last month, citing the need to counter China's "dangerous" actions in the Indo-Pacific region. The April summit in Washington was overshadowed by Biden's stance on a plan for Japan's Nippon Steel to buy United States Steel, after he said the firm should remain U.S.-owned. Japan's government acknowledges its aging and shrinking population is a source of concern, with Kishida himself saying the issue threatens society's ability to function. The country is also gradually opening the door to more immigrants, many of whom are filling jobs in sectors where there are shortages of workers. The number of foreign residents in Japan rose to a record high of 3.4 million in December 2023, up 10% on the previous year and representing about 2.7% of the population of about 124 million. A survey by the Asahi newspaper published last month found 62% of respondents said more foreign workers should be accepted, compared with 44% in a similar poll in 2018.

Biden calls ally Japan ‘xenophobic’ along with rivals China and Russia

One of the reasons the U.S. economy is growing is because of immigrants, which countries like Japan shun, President Joe Biden said at a fundraising event.

www.japantimes.co.jp

 

[Maciamo]

While I agree that a US president shouldn't be saying stuff like that, it doesn't mean that there isn't some truth to the statement.

 

[thomas]

Things here are improving, yet there is still room for more improvement. That said, lumping Japan, India, Russia, and China together shows little understanding and a lack of tact towards an ally.

 

[johnnyG]

"Japan is xenophobic."

(Having dodged a bullet, Koreans breathe a sign of relief...)

 

[Grandpa Frank]

There have been a lot of comments about things Biden says when he goes off the script they give him to read. I can't believe at his age , he can handle another full 4 years. At 74 , I find my own memory is starting to fail on some things. At his age , it would seem his cognitive ability would dwindling a bit.

 

[MarieCherry]

During a recent campaign fundraising event in Washington, U.S. President Biden referred to Japan, along with China and Russia, as "xenophobic." This statement was a surprise, considering Japan's status as a longstanding ally of the United States. Biden had previously linked China's economic challenges to its reluctance to accept immigrants, and this time, he extended the characterization to include Russia and Japan.

Notably, just three weeks before this speech, PM Kishida visited Washington for a summit and state dinner, during which Biden reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance. The inclusion of Japan in this context has raised questions about the delicate balance between candid assessments and diplomatic relations among allies.

I would say it raises questions about someone's mental capacities.

​

Biden calls ally Japan ‘xenophobic’ along with rivals China and Russia

One of the reasons the U.S. economy is growing is because of immigrants, which countries like Japan shun, President Joe Biden said at a fundraising event.

www.japantimes.co.jp

oh my

 

[Petaris]

View attachment 115078 There have been a lot of comments about things Biden says when he goes off the script they give him to read. I can't believe at his age , he can handle another full 4 years. At 74 , I find my own memory is starting to fail on some things. At his age , it would seem his cognitive ability would dwindling a bit.

I can understand there being an age floor for becoming a president, but maybe there should be an age ceiling as well. Putting everything else aside I am not sure if Biden would live long enough to complete another term given all of his health issues. He may well live past it if he retires but being president is probably pretty stressful and taxing on your mind and body. Too bad the US is essentially a two party government.

 

[salyavin]

Trump does not look coherent at 77 either. We have two candidates that are older than NATO this is silly. Either could easily die even campaigning of natural causes (old age).

On xenophobic there may be elements of truth but US is not clean either seeing the treatment of darker skinned people by police as just a start. I also was amazed at questions to a Muslim supreme court candidate. Basically pot calling kettle black. I agree with hikosaemon in this case. If you want to make comments one should think about how to address actual violence of allies like how Israel is reacting to palestine.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

How about another Kennedy , 43 years old , ex-military , handsome , good speaker but without any skeletons in the closet or too much personal baggage would be nice , LOL.

 

[johnnyG]

How about another Kennedy , 43 years old , ex-military , handsome , good speaker but without any skeletons in the closet or too much personal baggage would be nice , LOL.
View attachment 115114

"Are you talkin' to me?"

 

[Grandpa Frank]

I'll never tell.

 

[Maciamo]

View attachment 115078

There have been a lot of comments about things Biden says when he goes off the script they give him to read. I can't believe at his age , he can handle another full 4 years. At 74 , I find my own memory is starting to fail on some things. At his age , it would seem his cognitive ability would dwindling a bit.

Not everybody ages the same way. My grandmother is in her 90s and has an exceptional memory, surely better than most young people. She can remember in details events from my childhood, what I used to like as a child, etc. Most elderly people recall better old events than recent ones because the hippocampus, the part of the brain that creates new memories, calcifies with age. But in her case she can easily remember details of our conversations we had a few years ago when she was already in her 90s without any trouble. I also have an exceptional memory but I am sure that hers is better. On the other hand my mum always had a poor memory, even when I was a child.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

When he goes off script and tells stories how cannibals ate his uncle , it tends to make people wonder about him. Over the years he has been caught telling a few whoppers. My uncle remarried at 83 and was sharp as a tack when he passed at 93.

 

[thomas]

Reacting to being labelled xenophobic, Japan called Mr Biden's remark "unfortunate" and "not based on an accurate" understanding of the country. In contrast, the White House tried to downplay the issue, saying he aimed to highlight how important it is for the United States to be a country of immigrants.

Japan calls Biden 'xenophobic' comments 'unfortunate'

The US President called Japan, China, India and Russia "xenophobic" because they did not welcome immigration.

www.bbc.com

White House downplays Biden calling Japan 'xenophobic' country - The Mainichi

WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- The White House on Thursday sought to play down President Joe Biden's characterization of critical U.S. ally Japan as a

mainichi.jp

 

[thomas]

I have removed some posts from this thread.

It is one thing to criticize a politician's actions; it is another to use foul language and spread political slogans. We do not condone this here and will impose infractions should it happen again!

 

[Mansoor]

Humor comment

I don't know, why the recent American presidents have some odd behaviors, poses, speech and even decisions, while such things were not seen in the former US presidents like Lincoln!

Sometimes Mr. Biden reminds me Trump with his unpredictable and bizarre behaviors; Trump with his talking and Biden with his walking!

Now I see, the manner of Trump's speech have been spread to Biden, as well!

Nevertheless, I see, Biden's opinion is a little true. Some Japanese officials seems are not interested in attracting tourists from the eastern lands, though they love American a lot!

When rains in Washington, some Japanese politicians open their umbrella in Tokyo! LOL

 

[mdchachi]

while such things were not seen in the former US presidents like Lincoln!

Actually Lincoln was known for odd behaviors and outbursts. Some attribute it to mercury poisoning.

Health of Abraham Lincoln - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Levi Ackerman]

I have removed some posts from this thread.

It is one thing to criticize a politician's actions; it is another to use foul language and spread political slogans. We do not condone this here and will impose infractions should it happen again!

its the right thing to critisize the worst president in americas history, also, I'm allowed to say that because I AM American XD

 

[Levi Ackerman]

watching people who live in different countries talk about america like they know whats going on in front of an actual american is wild LOL

 

[Grandpa Frank]

The problem was using the "F" word. It used to be "let's go Brandon" was a safer way to say that , but that faded away. I find it hard to understand why with all the politicians in the US , Trump and Biden are the only two we can come up with to run?? And God help us if Kamala ever got into the position of president. Conservative Republicans seem to want to place all their chips on Trump as the only person who can beat Biden. With even many democrats not supporting Biden and some of the media turning on him , seems almost anyone could beat Biden , not just Trump. Between now and the election , I see interesting events unfolding. I also wonder how much claims of voter fraud and abuse will be screamed by the losing side. Not being able to trust our voting system 100% is a sad turn of events. It also seems like more and more , the position of president has become a figurehead with congress running the country and wielding the power. I also regret how the media seems to have become more of a propaganda machine than a purveyor of truth. It all seems a bit unsettling to me. Don't mind me , just the ramblings of a demented old boomer.

 

[Levi Ackerman]

but still, japanese people and Italians and whatever talking about America like they know what's going on in front of an actual american is hilarious as ****

 

[Mansoor]

I just paid attention to the statue of Lincoln that is on a big chair similar to Buddha's statue that some people in Tibet worship it!

However, I had never studied his biography.

What about Eisenhower? Did he have any behaviors similar to them, as well?

If the answer is yes, the conclusion is that such weird behaviors are inheritable in the presidency!

 

[Petaris]

@Grandpa Frank The media is more interested in the profits to be had then providing accurate, unbiased, facts as news instead of click-bate, no-detail, opinion pieces mascaraing as news. Clicks/views = profit! Straight facts = boring to most people these days unfortunately.

 

[Levi Ackerman]

Actually Lincoln was known for odd behaviors and outbursts. Some attribute it to mercury poisoning.

Health of Abraham Lincoln - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

what he means is that presidents back then were more normal than presidents now

 

[Levi Ackerman]

me when i see Biden be like Zen Shuchu! Mizu no kokyu! Ju no kata! seisei ruten!