Saddam's Iraq owed many countries huge amounts that it never had any intention of paying back. That is why France and Germany vetoed the UN invasion in the 'freedom fries' incident that destroyed Colin Powell's credibility. He did his best, but the French were still hoping to get something out of it; hence their double-speak concerning WMD. When in debt, never apply to have the debt written off. Always insist on paying it back. Sincerely. If you do not, then you become a liability.

Why would nations owe each other money? I feel like if you have to be in debt to other countries to make yours better, theres something funamentally wrong with your country.

Do you think china knows if the US is in debt to them, the US will look the other way on things like human rights..?

The USA owes China, France, and other nations $$trillions, that's the $$ paid to Haliburton, Blackwater, and other military contractors for the Iraq war. Since they didn't tax Americans to pay this bill, it went on the credit card. It's called the National Deficit, which was reduced to very little under Clinton, but Bush has been 8 years of spend on credit.

Personally, I don't think we need to pay back Red China, until they clear up their human rights record. I think we should borrow MUCH more from China, then refuse to pay it back until they start being nice to their own people. They're so mean, no one will support them against us.

Why would nations owe each other money? I feel like if you have to be in debt to other countries to make yours better, theres something funamentally wrong with your country.