Missing the mark on xenophobia

TOKYO hit back at United States President Joe Biden’s comments about the Asian ally being “xenophobic” like China and Russia, calling the characterisation “unfortunate” and misguided.Biden, 81, lumped together allies Japan and India with rivals China and Russia at a recent campaign event, arguing the four economic powers are struggling over their unwillingness to accept immigrants.

“Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan in trouble? Why is Russia in trouble? And India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants,” the president said recently.