TOKYO, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- The year of 2009 witnessed the U.S. economy struggling in the financial crisis, with its overall strength in decline and a world structure of "one superpower along with many other powers" taking shape with the rising G-20, said a leading Japanese expert on global affairs.

    Akio Takahara, professor at Tokyo University, said the relations between big powers have changed since the new U. S. government was sworn in early this year. Its close ally Japan also saw a historical power succession between the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the triumphant Democratic Partyof Japan (DPJ).

    Meanwhile, the rise of China and other emerging economies has further shifted the power balance and will affect the relations between big powers in the long run.

    Takahara said the Sino-U.S. ties have undergone the most obvious changes among other bilateral relations.

    "The Obama administration attaches great importance to Sino-U.S. relations and is currently pursuing a more flexible policy towards China," he noted.

    "Of course, the previous Bush administration has also tried to develop good relations with China, but Obama's emphasis on U.S.-Sino relations is more evident, " he said, citing the example that the administration has toned down its criticism of China's human rights record, and regarding it as a symbol of softening its policy toward China.

    With regard to Japan, he said that Hatoyama Yukio, the new prime minister has given priority to relations with other Asian countries, especially with China, while trying to deal with Washington on a more "equal" footing in a major departure from its LDP predecessor.

    On global security issues, the Obama administration has, since being sworn in, set a clear goal of nuclear non-proliferation, triggering a new round of global efforts in this regard, he said.

    On economic security, Takahara said the global financial crisis posed a threat to the financial security of ordinary people. "In Japan there is such a concept as 'human security,' which is threatened by the economic downturn this year," he added.

    In addition, environmental issues have also raised security concerns worldwide. "No one has thought that the environment would become a major issue in international politics, but now it does. This is a significant change, " Takahara said.

    He said the ongoing United Nations climate conference in Copenhagen is an important event. Major powers such as the United States, Japan and China have set their targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions for the post-Kyoto Protocol period, marking a big step forward.

    Regarding global hot spots, Takahara said he believed problems in regions such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan are mainly a continuation of existing troubles, involving no significant changes.

    Looking into the new year, Takahara said the tackling of economic downturn will be one of the most important tasks for all countries in the world in 2010. China, compared with other countries, responded more appropriately to the challenge, he said.

    "The economy has just started to recover, if we don't take further measures, there will be greater risks."

    The key to solving economic problem is whether the international community could cooperate via the G20 platform. He warned that the world cannot overcome the crisis if some countries act only in their own interests, Takahara said.

    The continuing economic downturn will threaten political stability, and possibly lead to the rise of nationalism, he warned, urging the governments to curb the upsurge of nationalism, reduce unemployment, and narrow the gap between rich and poor.

    "To borrow the words from Chinese President Hu Jintao, we aim to build a 'harmonious society'," he said.

Special Report:  Global Financial Crisis