The Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu has warned that conflict with the USA would be an ‘unbearable disaster’ for the world – as Washington accused the People’s Liberation Army of responsibility for a second ‘unsafe’ incident in a week.

Speaking at Asia’s top security summit, Li Shangfu, dressed in the uniform of a PLA general, said the world was big enough for China and the US to grow together.

‘China and the US have different systems and are different in many other ways,’ he said in a speech that marked his first significant international address since he was named China’s Minister of National Defence in March.

‘However, this should not keep the two sides from seeking common ground and common interests to grow bilateral ties and deepen cooperation,’ he said.

‘It is undeniable that a severe conflict or confrontation between China and the US will be an unbearable disaster for the world.’