As an expert in international finance and economics, I can provide you with an in-depth analysis of the United States' debt and its creditors. The United States, like many other countries, has a national debt that it must manage. This debt is a result of various factors, including government spending, budget deficits, and economic policies. It's important to understand that the composition of this debt is complex and involves both domestic and international creditors.

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The United States Treasury issues debt in the form of Treasury securities, which include Treasury bills, notes, and bonds. These securities are bought by a variety of investors, ranging from individual citizens to large institutional investors, both within the United States and abroad.

When discussing the country to which the U.S. owes the most money, it's crucial to differentiate between the public debt held by foreign entities and the public debt held by U.S. entities. The Federal government holds a significant portion of the U.S. debt. As of the data you've provided, which is from October 2013, the Federal government held about $5 trillion in U.S. debt. This includes intragovernmental holdings, which are essentially the government's own funds invested in Treasury securities, such as those held by the Social Security Trust Fund.

In terms of foreign holders of U.S. debt, China has historically been one of the largest foreign creditors of the United States. According to the data you've mentioned, as of October 2013, the total debt owed to China was around $1.3 trillion. It's important to note that this figure can fluctuate over time due to various economic and political factors, including changes in trade balances, investment decisions, and shifts in economic policy.

However, it's also essential to consider that the U.S. Treasury debt is held by a diverse group of foreign investors. Other significant holders of U.S. debt include Japan, which has also been a major holder of U.S. Treasury securities, and other countries such as the United Kingdom, Brazil, and several oil-exporting nations.

The U.S. dollar's status as the world's primary reserve currency and the deep liquidity of the U.S. Treasury market make U.S. debt securities an attractive investment for foreign governments and institutions. These investors are often seeking a safe and stable investment, and U.S. Treasury securities are widely regarded as among the safest investments available.

It's also worth mentioning that the U.S. debt situation is dynamic and subject to change. Economic indicators, fiscal policies, and global economic conditions can all influence the amount of debt the U.S. has and the composition of its creditors. For the most current and accurate information, it's best to consult the latest data from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and other reliable financial sources.

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We owe a big chunk of the money -- about $5 trillion -- to the Federal government. So if there ever were a default (hopefully there won't be) the government would also be stiffing itself. We owe about $5 trillion to other countries, including China. The total debt to China is only $1.3 trillion.Oct 11, 2013read more >>