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WASHINGTON The leaders of the world's most powerful economies are deeply split over how to fight a downturn that is intensifying around the globe, with no nation in a position of strength as finance ministers gather to talk about the crisis.

The United States is pushing for more worldwide stimulus measures, but Europe wants world leaders to focus instead on stricter oversight, arguing that lax American regulation is to blame for the economic decline in the first place.

Complicating the international tension, the premier of China, which holds more than $727 billion in U.S. Treasury securities and is by far the biggest U.S. creditor, expressed concern Friday about the safety of his government's investments.