One of the United States’ most senior ex-military officers has warned that China and the US risk open conflict over the South China Sea because of basic misunderstandings between the two nations.

The former head of National Intelligence and US Pacific Command, retired Admiral Dennis Blair, told Four Corners he does not believe either America or China want to go to war to end the stand-off.

But both sides are locked into opposing positions that make it almost impossible to reach a compromise, he said.

The South China Sea is one of the most disputed regions on Earth, with competing claims over islands and reefs from various countries, including traditional US ally the Philippines.

China has laid claim to a swathe of shoals and islands inside what is known as the “Nine-Dash Line”, which represents about 90 per cent of the South China Sea.

“When I’m in discussions with Chinese [officials] I’m incredibly righteous from the American point of view,” retired Admiral Blair said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-03/south-china-sea-us-china-misunderstandings-may-cause-conflict/7893012