During Tuesday’s Senate Armed Forced Committee hearing Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen Mark Milley defended his contact with Chinese officials in the final weeks of the Trump administration. Allegations detailed in Bob Woodward’s book “Peril” claim Gen. Milley initiated two separate calls to Chinese officials to reassure them that President Trump was not planning any attacks.

The Hill reports:

Milley said in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee the calls were generated by “concerning intelligence” that caused Americans officials to believe the Chinese were worried about an attack on them by the U.S.

“I am certain, President Trump did not intend on attacking the Chinese and it is my directed responsibility – and it was my directed responsibility by the secretary — to convey presidential orders and intent,” Milley said in his opening remarks.

“My job at that time was to de-escalate. My message again was consistent: calm, steady, and deescalate. We are not going to attack you.”

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