White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is being asked to explain President Joe Biden’s decision to label Japan “xenophobic.”

During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One, a reporter noted, “The president last night described Japan as xenophobic along with China and Russia.”

“Was that intentional? And does the president want to apologize to Japan?” he asked.

Jean-Pierre responded, “I think the broader case that he was trying to make, which I think most leaders and allies across the globe understand, is he was trying — he was saying that when it comes to who we are as a nation, we are a nation of immigrants. That is in our DNA.”

“It makes us better, we are stronger for it, because of the fact in our DNA we are a nation of immigrants,” she added.

Listen to the exchange below:

Karine Jean-Pierre tries (and fails — badly) to walk back Biden's remark smearing Japan as "xenophobic" pic.twitter.com/OONOAY44N3

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CNN notes, “She described the US-Japan relationship as ‘important’ and ‘enduring’ that would continue, despite Biden’s comment. As for whether the president would make similar remarks going forward, she said: ‘That is up to the president.’

At an event on Wednesday, Biden suggested countries such as Japan and China would see their economies benefit from more immigration.

“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?” Biden said.

He added, “Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants.”