Naval commander Admiral Wu Shengli told officials that a minor incident could spark a major conflict in the South China Sea.
The terrifying remark was made during talks after a US warship sailed close to one of Beijing's man-made islands in the disputed Spratly archipelago.
Its sovereignty has been claimed by a number of nations.
China hit out at Washington over the patrol, which is the most significant American challenge yet to its territorial limits.
Admiral Shengli said: "If the United States continues with these kinds of
dangerous, provocative acts, there could well be a seriously pressing situation between frontline forces from both sides on the sea and in the air, or even a minor incident that sparks war.
"I hope the US side cherishes the good situation between the Chinese and US navies that has not come easily and avoids these kinds of incidents from happening again." Admiral Wu Shengli made the terrifying remark during talks between the
US and Beijing Speaking earlier a Washington official said naval chiefs had agreed to follow protocols in a bid to avoid clashes.
A US Navy spokesman stressed their position that operations were meant
to "protect the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law".
Multiple nations have claimed sovereignty over the Spratly Islands In May China warned the US that war is "inevitable" if the country continues to meddle with the Asian superpower's activities.
Beijing vowed to increase its focus on offensive capabilities rather than
its current defensive stance.
Officials highlighted a "grave and complex array of security threats" as
the reason for the switch, including its ongoing territorial row in the
South China Sea.
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