Japanese Government: "Statements Not Based on Understanding of Japan's Policies"
The Japanese government protested to the United States on the 3rd, expressing "deep regret" over recent remarks by U.S. President Joe Biden suggesting that Japanese people harbor hatred toward foreigners.
According to Jiji Press and public broadcaster NHK on the 4th, the Japanese government conveyed to the U.S. side the sentiment that "it is regrettable that statements were made without an accurate understanding of Japan's policies." The Japanese government also explained Japan's stance and policies regarding foreigners and immigration.
On the 1st (local time), President Biden, at a fundraising event held in Washington DC, explained that the reason for the growth of the U.S. economy is thanks to immigrants, and pointed to Japan as one of the countries harboring hostility toward foreigners.
At that time, President Biden said, "Why has China’s economy deteriorated so much? Why is Japan struggling? Russia? India? It’s because they hate foreigners. They don’t want immigrants."
U.S. President Joe Biden (right) is welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the guest of honor at the state dinner held at the White House in Washington DC on the 10th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]
Not only in Japan but also in the U.S., media criticized President Biden for making a gaffe considered disrespectful less than a month after inviting Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio as a state guest.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, in a briefing on the 2nd, sought to clarify that President Biden’s remarks were made to emphasize that "America is a nation of immigrants, and that is America’s DNA."
She added, "The United States and Japan are enduring allies, and we clearly share a commitment to democratic values and a strong friendship between our peoples."
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