NBC News reports that during a campaign fundraiser last week, U.S. President Joe Biden said that Japan and India (along with Russian and China) were “xenophobic” countries because they don’t welcome immigrants – in contrast to the strength of the United States, which is a nation of immigrants.
Japan is a key ally of the United States, and both Japan and India are part of the Quad – a U.S.-led partnership along with Australia which counters an increasingly assertive China in the Indo-Pacific.
In response to Japanese and Indian pushback, the White House said that President Biden meant “no offense” and was merely stressing that the United States was a nation of immigrants and had no intention of undermining the relationship with Japan.
The NBC News article may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, this blunder (now among hundreds of blunders or “gaffes”) by President Biden is indicative of the larger problem of having a U.S. president who seems to not fully grasp the concept that words have meaning. International relationships, once damaged, may require years or decades to restore trust (at least behind the scenes).
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “xenophobia” as “fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign.” It takes very little common sense and quasi-diplomatic experience to realize that describing friendly and allied countries as “xenophobic” will have damaging results – even if the damage is not obvious on the surface due to the diplomatic restraint afforded by the offended countries.
With the potential for another world war on the horizon (see yesterday’s Newsmax report HERE), there is little room for error when it comes to the United States’ ability to maintain international relationships. The United States puts itself at grave risk, internally and globally, when its leader can’t grasp even the basic skills of diplomacy.
As followers of Jesus, let’s pray for the Biden administration to lead the United States in a more loving and wise approach. With the general election coming up in November, it’s not too early to seek the Lord for voter wisdom.
Scripture to consider:
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…”.
1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!