Who does the United States Owe?

Japan owns $1.1 trillion in U.S. debt. As of January 2017, it was the largest foreign holder. China owns $1.05 trillion. Both Japan and China want to keep the value of the dollar higher than the value of their currencies. That helps keep their exports affordable for the United States, which helps their economies grow. That's why, despite China's occasional threats to sell its holdings, both countries are happy to be America's biggest foreign bankers. China replaced the United Kingdom as the second largest foreign holder on May 31, 2007. That's when it increased its holdings to $699 billion, outpacing the United Kingdom's $640 billion.

Ireland is third, holding $294 billion. Brazil is the fourth largest holder at $258 billion.

The Cayman Islands is fourth, at $257 billion. The Bureau of International Settlements believes it is a front for sovereign wealth funds and hedge funds whose owners don't want to reveal their positions. So are Luxembourg ($219 billion) and Belgium ($112 billion).

The next largest holders are Switzerland, the UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan and India. They each hold between $113 and $214 billion. (Source: “Foreign Holding of U.S. Treasury Securities,” February 15, 2017. "Petrodollars and Global Imbalances," U.S. Treasury, February 2006.)

https://www.thebalance.com/who-owns-the-u-s-national-debt-3306124