China: If war breaks out, it will cause unbearable disaster

China's defense minister, Li Changfu, has warned that a possible confrontation with Washington would be an unbearable disaster for the world.

Chinese Defense Minister Li Changfu said his country wants to hold dialogue with Washington against the conflict.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's top security summit, General Li Changfu said that "some countries" are intensifying the arms race in Asia. But he said the world is big enough, for both China and the United States, and the two superpowers should seek common ground.

"It would be an intolerable disaster for the world."

However, Li Changfu said, "China and the United States have different systems, and they are different in many ways. This should not prevent the two sides from seeking common ground and common interests in order to develop bilateral relations and deepen cooperation."

As the Chinese minister said: "It is undeniable that violent conflict or confrontation between China and the United States will be an unbearable disaster for the world."

Tension between the United States and China

Relations between Washington and Beijing have been strained by a host of issues, including Taiwan, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and restrictions on exports of semiconductor chips by US President Joe Biden.

According to the Al-Jazeera report, Defense Minister Lee added that China remains committed to the path of peaceful development, but will never back down from defending its legitimate rights and interests.

'Cold War mentality is back'

On the other hand, the Chinese minister said: "The Cold War mentality has now re-emerged and greatly increases security risks."