Gen. Mark Milley of the Joint Chiefs of Staff convened with his Russian counterpart in Finland on Wednesday. This was a “culmination” of negotiations between the two countries focusing on “risk mitigation” and “de-confliction,” according to the Pentagon.
The Topic of Discussion is Remaining a Secret
Milley spoke with Gen. Valery Gerasimov on Wednesday, as per a spokesperson, Col. Dave Butler. In accord with previous practices, both have arranged to keep the particular details of their discussion secret, Butler said in a statement.
Milley’s conference came after claims in the memoir “Peril” (co-written by Washington Post deputy editor Bob Woodward, as well as national political reporter Robert Costa) drew widespread attention.
General Miley went rogue and should be swiftly denounced from all sides. The military does not have the power to usurp democracy. https://t.co/BIKCwh6ip4
— Brent Bozell (@BrentBozell) September 15, 2021
Milley made two covert phone conversations with his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Li Zuocheng of the Chinese military during the Trump administration, according to the claims made public last week.
The phone conversations allegedly occurred days before the 2020 election on Oct. 30, 2020, and two days after the Jan. 6 Capitol violence on Jan. 8, 2021, according to the book.
Milley allegedly called Li after reviewing evidence that suggested Chinese authorities suspected the US was contemplating an attack on China during military maneuvers in the South China Sea, according to the book.
Milley allegedly contacted Li a second or third time to assure him the US would not make any moves or harm China in any way. Milley promised, according to the book’s writers, that America is completely stable. He also said everything is in order and democracy can be clumsy at times.
Lowering Tensions or Treason?
Milley’s spokesman, Butler, has justified the chats. Butler is claiming they are “critical” to “lowering tensions” and attempting to avoid unforeseen repercussions or conflict. Milley’s spokesperson moreover says the contacts were organized with high-ranking defense officials.
😂😂😂
“Dumbass” General Mark Miley. pic.twitter.com/D0XoVx4S4U— Dustin PREM-SINGH-Penner (@Dustinpenner25) September 15, 2021
According to Bulter, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff interacts with Defense Chiefs from across the globe on a routine basis, including China and Russia. These discussions are still crucial for strengthening common understanding of US homeland security objectives. They’re also needed for lowering tensions, providing clarity, and preventing unintended consequences or confrontation.
Milley’s calls last year and in January with the Chinese and the others were in accordance with these duties and obligations in providing confidence in order to keep strategic stability, Butler added.
“All conversations from the Chairman to his equivalents, including those that have been published,” Butler said, “are scheduled, planned, and coordinated with the Department of Defense and the administration.”
“As part of his duties as the president’s top military counselor and Defense Secretary, General Milley holds regular meetings with military leaders throughout the programs to ensure all officials are informed of current challenges,” Butler stated.
Nevertheless, many people in America have a different view of Milley’s calls.
