EU, Japan say wary of unilateral actions in South China Sea

The alleged on-going land reclamation of China at Subi reef is seen from Pagasa island (Thitu Island) in the Spratlys group of islands in the South China Sea, west of Palawan, Philippines, May 11, 2015. REUTERS/Ritchie B. Tongo/Pool

TOKYO (Reuters) - The European Union and Japan are concerned about unilateral actions that change the status quo in the South China Sea, a joint statement said on Friday, with China's reclamation in disputed waters stoking regional tensions.

"We continue to observe the situation in the East and South China Sea and are concerned by any unilateral actions that change the status quo and increase tensions," said the statement issued after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk and other EU leaders.