Conflict between US, China will be global disaster - Chinese Defense Minister

He said this at a security summit in Singapore, Reuters reports. 

The minister noted that the world is big enough for China and the United States to develop separately, but emphasized that the parties should continue to seek opportunities for cooperation.

“However, this should not keep the two sides from seeking common ground and common interests to grow bilateral ties and deepen cooperation. It is undeniable that a severe conflict or confrontation between China and the US will be an unbearable disaster for the world,” he said. 

Li Shanfu made this statement due to another deterioration in relations between the two countries, which arose from disputes in the South China Sea. The publication says that the US Navy said on Saturday that a Chinese destroyer had allegedly made dangerous maneuvers near a US warship in the Taiwan Strait.

China's military criticized the United States and Canada for deliberately provoking risk, with the US command saying that US and Canadian ships were operating normally and freely on the high seas. Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand, in turn, noted that Canada will continue to sail where it is allowed by international law, including the strait.

Reuters notes that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in his speech at the summit on Saturday, criticized China for refusing to hold military talks and emphasized that negotiations between the two countries are not a reward, but a necessity. Li Shangfu responded by saying that mutual respect should prevail over hegemony.

• US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin wanted to meet with his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu at the annual security forum in Singapore. Beijing rejected the request.