Biden's misguided 'xenophobia' claims against China, India reveal historical ignorance

Editor's note: Abhishek G Bhaya is a senior journalist and international affairs commentator. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

In a recent outburst that has sparked considerable backlash, U.S. President Joe Biden labeled nations like India, Japan, China, and Russia as "xenophobic," attributing their economic challenges to a reluctance to welcome immigrants.

"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 – 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," Biden said at a Washington D.C. fundraiser, according to an official White House transcript released Thursday.

Such demented and delusional comments not only oversimplify complex global dynamics but also reflect a profound ignorance of historical and current realities. They are particularly jarring when juxtaposed against the U.S.-led West's own tumultuous history of racism, slavery, ethnic cleansing, large-scale genocide of native populations in the Americas and Australasia, and colonial atrocities.

Before pointing fingers, it would behoove the U.S. to reflect on its own past and current issues. The irony of these accusations, coming from a leader of a country with such a chequered history, is palpable. All the countries that Biden named have demonstrably better track records in several of these aspects.

Biden's sweeping generalization betrays a lack of understanding of global migration patterns, which historically see movements from poorer to richer nations.

Civilizational legacy of China and India

Both China and India have historically been among the two most affluent and populous regions in the world. While these two civilizational states experienced a period of relative decline from the 18th to the 20th century during the rise of Western colonization and industrialization, this era is often viewed as a mere aberration by those who take a long-term perspective on history. Over the past few decades, both nations have experienced phenomenal growth and are rapidly reclaiming their historic positions as major global powers.

India, historically known as the golden bird, was rich for millennia and has witnessed numerous waves of migration, shaping it into one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations on Earth. From the ancient Zoroastrians fleeing religious persecution in Persia to the Rohingya people fleeing Myanmar in recent years, India's history is rich with examples of providing refuge.

Additionally, since gaining independence and undergoing partition in 1947, India has consistently welcomed minority Hindus and Sikhs migrating from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, further demonstrating its commitment to providing sanctuary to those in need. This underscores India's role as a significant host for migrants and refugees, contrary to Biden's demented claims of xenophobia.

Similarly, China's history and current policies reflect a nuanced approach to immigration, markedly different from the picture painted by Biden. Historically, China has been a civilization central to East Asia, with its periods of imperial expansion and cultural assimilation shaping much of the region.

In modern times China's policies are increasingly geared towards attracting global talent to counteract an aging population and to boost innovation. The number of foreign residents in China continue to climb new heights in recent decades, further emphasizing its integration into the global community. This aligns with China's strategic interests in becoming a hub for international business and technological advancement.

Population dynamics and economic realities

Biden's characterization of countries like India and China as "xenophobic" not only overlooks their diverse and complex histories but also grossly misinterprets their economic realities. His assertion that these nations are facing economic difficulties because they do not welcome immigrants is not only factually incorrect but also ignores the significant contributions of the Indian and Chinese diasporas to the economic success of the U.S. and other Western economies in recent decades.

Both China and India, as the two most populous nations on the planet, have unique demographic advantages that reduce their dependency on foreign talent for economic growth. Unlike the U.S., Canada, and Australia, and much of the Western world which rely significantly on immigration to counteract aging populations and declining birth rates, India and China have vast pools of domestic talent to drive their future growth. This fundamental difference in demographic dynamics shapes distinct approaches to immigration and economic policy.

The contributions of Chinese and Indian diasporas to the U.S. and Western economies are profound and well-documented. From Silicon Valley to Wall Street, individuals from these communities have been integral to technological innovation and economic progress in the U.S. This migration of talent has often been encouraged by Western nations themselves, reflecting a strategic drawing from the vast human resources of these Asian giants rather than a one-sided benefit.

Turning to the economic assertions made by Biden, the current data contradicts his claims. China and India are not just surviving; they are thriving. As of the latest figures, China remains the second-largest economy globally by nominal GDP and the largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). India is not far behind, ranking as the third-largest economy by GDP (PPP) and the fifth by nominal GDP. Furthermore, India holds the distinction of being the fastest-growing large economy, with recent growth rates outstripping those of most developed nations, including the U.S. and European countries.

A huge diplomatic gaffe

By labeling these nations as xenophobic and linking this to economic performance, Biden not only misrepresents the situation but also potentially harms diplomatic relationships. Such statements overlook the complexities of global economics and migration, simplifying them in ways that are not only inaccurate but also diplomatically insensitive.

Biden's remarks, likely intended for domestic consumption at a fundraising event, have inadvertently strayed into the realm of international diplomacy, risking strains with key strategic allies and partners. Alienating members with careless comments not only hampers Biden's personal reputation but also undermines the U.S.'s position in the international community.

It's crucial for global leaders to be well-informed and thoughtful in their public declarations. Statements that generalize and mischaracterize entire nations not only distort historical truths but also damage the delicate fabric of international relations. Biden's comments should serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting and understanding global partners' diverse histories and realities. It's time for a more informed and respectful dialogue that acknowledges the complexities of global migration and international relations.

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