Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu at the 20th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's annual defense and security forum, in Singapore on June 4, 2023 (AP)

During the Shangri-La Dialogue summit for security in Singapore, Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu warned that a potential confrontation between China and the US would be an “unbearable disaster” for the world.

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

He further indicated China's willingness to maintain military discussions with the US under improved circumstances.

Li further condemned the US for their provocative drills conducted in the Asia-Pacific region as “a pretext to exercise hegemony of navigation” in an attempt to “muddy the waters to rake in profits.”

This comes after a Chinese warship nearly collided with the USS Chung-Hoon in the Taiwan Strait as it entrenched into Chinese-claimed waters alongside the Royal Canadian Navy's HMCS Montreal on Saturday.

'Free, open and secure' bullying

Li also cautioned against the establishment of military alliances resembling NATO in the Asia-Pacific region, warning that such alliances would lead to a dangerous cycle of conflict.

"Attempts to push for NATO-like (alliances) in the Asia-Pacific is a way of kidnapping regional countries and exaggerating conflicts and confrontations," Li said in attendance of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

In response to the recent tensions and at the same summit, Austin vowed that Washington would not stand for any “coercion and bullying” of its allies and partners by China while claiming that the US remains committed to maintaining the status quo on Taiwan and citing the importance of continued talks over conflicts.

Austin lobbied for support for Washington’s alleged vision of a “free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific within a world of rules and rights” in the course of countering growing Chinese influence in the region.

Li declined an invitation earlier to meet Austin at the summit, highlighting his government's firm position against engaging in talks with the US amid the current tension. While a handshake occurred between the two officials during the conference, detailed discussions did not take place.

"I am deeply concerned that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries," the US Secretary of Defense said at a meeting in Singapore.