(VOVworld) - The European Union and Japan are expressing concern over China's escalating moves to claim sovereignty over disputed islands in the East Sea.

European Council President Donald Tusk (L) and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (R) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe prior to their meeting at Abe's official residence in Tokyo. (Photo: AP/Koji Sasahara, Pool)

In a joint statement from Tokyo and Brussels, issued after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's met with European Council President Donald Tusk and other EU leaders, diplomats said they "are concerned by any unilateral actions that change the status quo and increase tensions" in the East Sea. The statement said Japan and the EU urged all parties to refrain from unilateral actions, including the threat or use of force and coercion. The move came as China is escalating its construction of artificial islands in the East Sea, increasing tension in the region.