President Joe Biden called U.S. ally Japan “xenophobic” just weeks after hosting the country’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, for talks and a ritzy state dinner in the nation’s capital.
He made the comment on Wednesday during a campaign reception in Washington, D.C., while arguing that immigration can help to create strong economies, according to a transcript from the White House.
“You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants. We look to — the reason — look, think about it,” Biden said.
“Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants,” he added.
“Immigrants is [sic] what makes us strong,” Biden continued. “Not a joke. That’s not hyperbole. Because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and just contribute.”
Although Japan entered a recession amid a population decline this year, losing its spot at the world’s third-largest economy, loc …