Washington, City, Dhu-AlHijjah 17, 1433, Nov 2, 2012, SPA - The United States is urging restraint by China and Japan in their territorial dispute and for the two countries to cooperate in the interests of the global economy. China has increased naval patrols near disputed East China Sea islands controlled by Japan, prompting a maritime confrontation this week, but no use of force. In a statement on Thursday, Kurt Campbell, the assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs said "It's incredibly important that both countries appreciate what they have built and step back from the brink." Campbell described as "unhelpful" a retired Chinese diplomat's reported remarks this week that U.S. policy in Asia was heightening China-Japan tensions. He said he does not believe the comments reflected the views of Beijing. --SPA 11:54 LOCAL TIME 08:54 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1044869