38 Few expected that this country’s unprecedented power would face so many challenges, not only from rising powers but also from old and close allies. (A) This country’s unparalleled power was beyond expectation, but it had to face difficulties resulting from both undeveloped and developed countries. (B) Quite a few people were surprised to see the increasingly powerless country facing unexpected difficulties brought forth by both its competitors and friends. (C) It was hard to imagine that this exceptionally powerful country would encounter much defiance from both the fast growing countries and its old friends. (D) It was against many people’s expectation that this country should be lacking in power to overcome many difficulties brought about by both its enemies and its friends.