China trade, Asia nukes topics in US prexy debate
The world outside the US figured prominently in the third and final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
Clinton said Trump has been "cavalier, even casual" about the use of nuclear weapons, and the idea that it would be acceptable for US allies such as Japan and South Korea to acquire them on their own. "Nuclear competition in Asia, you said, you know, 'Go ahead. Enjoy yourselves, folks,'" she said.
Trump responded, "All I said is we have to renegotiate" defense agreements with other countries that the US can no longer afford. "When I said Japan and Germany and ... South Korea, these are very rich, powerful countries. Saudi Arabia, nothing but money. We protect Saudi Arabia. Why aren't they paying?"
Seoul says it paid 932 billion won ($851 million) last year to the United States, which was reportedly about half of what it costs to maintain US troops in South Ko- rea. South Korea's pursuit of its own nuclear weapons has been raised by some conservative lawmakers, but many South Koreans believe such a move would have unacceptably dire consequences in its relationships with both Washington and Beijing.
At a Mexico City barbecue restaurant that could have dropped out of Austin, Texas, an assortment of Mexicans and expats guffawed at Donald Trump's call to expel "bad hombres" and toasted each time he or Hillary Clinton said "Mexico."
About 200 people gathered Wednesday night to watch the final US presidential debate. There was fun in collective viewing — complete with bingo cards with things said by the candidates. But there was also genuine interest from Mexicans who have watched their currency swing in recent weeks with the polls.
Alejandra Cardenas, a video director from Mexico City, says Mexico's economy is clearly tied to the US and that's why so many Mexicans are there watching the debate closely. She says Mexico will be among the countries most affected.