The debt ceiling debate provided many lessons, including insights into our future. While some believe we are witnessing the decline of the United States as a global power, the truth of the matter is we have never been stronger. Kick us when we are down at your own peril. We love a good fight in this country, and we usually win.

This time the battle is on the home front, but the result will be the same. Our work ethic, knowledge base and productivity will allow us to solve the debt crisis while at the same time power this economy forward. There is a reason demand for Treasuries is still sky-high despite our challenges. The same cannot be said overseas. As such, I would avoid these 11 foreign financial stocks:

HSBC (NYSE:HBC): The London bank is cutting about 30,000 jobs in a global restructuring. Is the London Bridge next to fall? Given the problems with the euro, this foreign financial stock is to be sold before things get worse.

China Life Insurance (NYSE:LFC): China is on an accelerated path of destruction. The U.S. enjoyed 20 years of binging before collapse. With China, things happen more quickly. The 10-year run is done, and a crash could be coming next. I would avoid this Chinese financial stock.

Banco Santander (NYSE:STD): This Spanish financial company has been hit hard by the debt crisis in Greece. With bordering country Portugal facing similar problems, Santander will have trouble escaping the morass. Shares have been descending in orderly fashion, allowing for a quick exit today. Investors would be wise to take advantage of the calm before the storm.

Royal Bank of Scotland (NYSE:RBS): What dangers lurk behind foreign financial stocks? The Federal Reserve recently ordered Royal Bank of Scotland to improve its U.S. operations oversight and risk management practices. That sounds ominous and should give investors in this foreign financial stock pause. What time bomb is ticking? I wouldn’t want to be around to find out.

UBS (NYSE:UBS): This Zurich-based financial stock could have more holes than Swiss cheese. Troubles with the euro could have vast consequences for countries such as Switzerland. Defending one’s currency typically ends badly. That one-way ticket down will bring UBS with it.

Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB): The German economy is a shining star in the cesspool that is Europe today, but even the strong can get pulled lower when things go bad. I would use relative strength in Deutsche Bank as an opportunity to liquidate this foreign financial stock.

Lloyds Banking Group (NYSE:LYG): Despite heavy intervention from Her Majesty’s government, Lloyds Banking is to be avoided at all costs. Shares have lost nearly half their value in the past year and now trade for well below $5 per share. This foreign financial stock is now like a penny stock.

Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS): Reflecting the disarray in the Eurozone, Barclays announced on Tuesday a 38% profit drop for the first half of 2011. Given the poor performance, the British bank is slashing 2,000 jobs from its rolls between now and the remainder of the year. With no catalyst in site for a recovery, a yearlong slump in Barclays shares is likely to continue.

Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS): Add Credit Suisse to the list of European banks slashing jobs. With U.S. stocks signaling a deceleration of global growth, the cuts are likely to be the norm. These banks might look good from a balance sheet perspective, but lending is anemic. Until there is certainty with respect to the debt situation in Europe, Credit Suisse is a foreign financial stock to avoid.

Banco Santander (NYSE:BSBR): The love affair with Brazil looks to be over for investors. Bears have been selling Banco Santander since the end of 2010. A sure sign this foreign financial stock is to be avoided can be found in the current dividend yield of more than 8%. Such a high payout can portend bad news for the company. I would sell first and ask questions later.

Mizuho Financial Group (NYSE:MFG): Japan cannot seem to get a break. After a lost decade or more of poor economic performance, the country is struck by an earthquake that ground activity to a halt. Already on life support, Mizuho Financial Group lost a third of its value. It very well could be the death blow for this foreign financial stock falling fast. Sell while you can.