Milley Defends Colluding with Chinese: 'I Was Certain' Trump Wouldn't Order Attack
Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff pushes back against claims
© press
Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, defended secretly colluding with Chinese military leaders, arguing he was "certain" President Donald Trump wouldn't order an attack on China and wanted to reassure his Chinese counterparts.
Milley, who testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, pushed back against claims he went around Trump due to fears he might order an attack on China.
Some Republicans called for Milley's resignation and accused him of bypassing civilian leadership of the military.
Milley pushed back hard on the attacks.
"I am specifically directed to communicate with the Chinese by Department of Defense guidance," he said.
"These military-to-military communications at the highest level are critical for the security of the United States in order to deconflict military actions, manage crises and prevent war between great powers that are armed with the world's most dangerous weapons."
© press
Gen. Milley addressed two calls with Chinese Gen. Li Zuocheng on Oct. 30 and Jan. 8, two days after the Capitol riot.
"The specific purpose of the October and January calls were generated by concerning intelligence which caused us to believe that the Chinese were worried about an attack on them by the United States," he said.
"I know, I am certain, President Trump did not intend to attack the Chinese, and it was my direct responsibility to convey that intent to the Chinese.
"My task at that time was to de-escalate.
"My message, again, was consistent: 'Stay calm, steady, de-escalate. We are not going to attack you.'"
© press
Earlier this month, the Pentagon seemed to confirm Milley colluded with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) behind President Donald Trump's back.
Senator Rand Paul called for Gen. Mark Milley to be court-martialed for committing treason against the United States.
Sen. Paul (R-KY) wrote on Twitter earlier this month:
"I don't care what you think of President Trump, the Chairman of the JCOS working to subvert the military chain of command and collude with China is exactly what we do not accept from military leaders in our country.
"He should be court-martialed if true.
"Couple that with his inept handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and it is clear General Milley is no longer fit to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and should be removed immediately."
