(CNN) -- On a visit to Japan on Tuesday, Vice President Joe Biden assured his hosts that the United States will express concerns to China over Beijing's recent claim of a large swath of airspace in the region. The Chinese declaration less than two weeks ago has prompted a war of words between governments and flights through the contested air zone by military planes from the United States, China, Japan and South Korea. "We, the United States, are deeply concerned by the attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the East China Sea," Biden said at a news conference alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
@highlight
Vice President Joe Biden, visiting Japan, meets with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
@highlight
Central to their talks was an ongoing air zone dispute with China
@highlight
Biden: "The United States has an interest in the lowering of tensions in this vital region"
China
Chinese
China
China
The @placeholder action, Biden said, raises the possibility of "accidents and miscalculation."
Japan
Japan
Japanese
Japan
He called @placeholder the cornerstone of stability in the region.
Japan
Japan
Japanese
Japan
China's actions are justified by what it sees as aggressive moves by the @placeholder to lay claim to the disputed territory.
China
Chinese
China
China
In addition to the @placeholder airspace claim, Biden and Abe discussed ways to fortify U.S.-Japan relations economically and militarily.
Japan
Japan
Japanese
Japan
In addition to the China airspace claim, Biden and Abe discussed ways to fortify U.S.-@placeholder relations economically and militarily.