Biden Cites 'Xenophobia' for Asian Economies' Struggles

President Joe Biden has attributed the economic challenges faced by China, Japan, and India to "xenophobia," suggesting that their less welcoming stance towards immigration has hindered their economic growth. He contrasted this with the United States, where he argued that immigration has been a boon to the economy and that the nation's strength lies in its welcoming of immigrants.

Forecasts by the International Monetary Fund indicate a slowdown in economic growth for China, Japan, and India in 2024, with projected rates ranging from 0.9% in Japan to 6.8% in India. The United States, meanwhile, is expected to see a growth rate of 2.7%, which is a slight deceleration from the previous year's 2.5%.

In the context of these economic projections, Biden has emphasized the importance of maintaining strong economic and political relationships with countries like Japan and India, particularly as a strategy to counterbalance China and Russia's influence on the global stage. At the same time, the issue of irregular migration has emerged as a significant concern for many voters in the United States as the country approaches the presidential election in November.