Gen. Milley’s Spokesperson

On Wednesday, General Mark Milley spokesman Col. Dave Butler seemed to confirm the secret calls to Chinese officials in a statement and defended the action.

“The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs regularly communicates with Chiefs of Defense across the world, including with China and Russia. These conversations remain vital to improving mutual understanding of U.S. national security interests, reducing tensions, providing clarity and avoiding unintended consequences or conflict,” Milley spokesman Col. Dave Butler said in a statement Wednesday.