Japan has proposed that the statement to be issued after its summit meeting with the European Union in late May should include a call for keeping China's maritime ambitions in check, and the EU is soliciting opinions from its 28 member states about Tokyo's request, Kyodo quoted a diplomatic source as saying Monday.

Tokyo is suggesting that the document "underline the need ... to refrain from unilateral actions, including the use of force and coercion, that could increase the tension in the East and South China (seas)," according to the source.

Since last year, Japan has been calling at such occasions as the summit of the Group of Seven industrial economies for concern to be expressed about China's territorial and maritime claims in the East and South China seas. The EU also participates in the G-7.