Obama dismisses Romney tough talk on China

HEMPSTEAD, New York (AFP) - US President Barack Obama dismissed Mitt Romney's tough talk on China at their second debate, saying his Republican rival invests in firms that build surveillance equipment for the Asian giant.

"Governor, you're the last person who's going to get tough on China,"

Mr Obama said after Mr Romney repeated his campaign trail promise to crack down on Beijing when it violates international trade rules.

"When he talks about getting tough on China, keep in mind that Governor Romney invested in companies that were pioneers of outsourcing to China, and is currently investing in companies that are building surveillance equipment for China to spy on its own folks," Mr Obama said.