Gen. Milly was called into congress to testify on the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan conflict. There was, however, a second reason for the testimony–reports that Milly had undermined Trump by calling China’s generals without advising him.
Generals from other countries routinely communicate with each other, especially countries that are not at war nor have any militaristic conflicts such as the U.S. and China. Although rhetoric between the two nations has been historically explosive and provocative, there is no reason at the moment as to why generals from these countries should not be communicating. Communication might help de-escalate tensions, which is exactly what happened here.
The first call, the October call, was to communicate to the Chinese government that the U.S. did not plan to attack them, this came at the behest of secretary Esper. Although it does not seem like the first call was essential, the second was.
The January call came after the insurrection at the Capitol, when officials notified Milly that the Chinese government was concerned about the instability of the U.S. government. This was completely justified and did not need to go through Trump, who at the time was being banned off of major platforms and having cabinet members resign.
Milly, regarding the call said “My task at that time was to de-escalate.”
It was a time when unpredictability reigned and it was up to those around the president to make sure that the nation did not fall into chaos. This was also the time when Trump called the insurrectionists “special,” showing a complete lack of understanding of the consequences that could have for the government.
Trump could not be trusted and still clung on to the lie that he had won the election; there was a general fear in the government that he would do anything to stay in power, even go to war.
Milly reassured congress that “at no time was I attempting to change or influence the process, usurp authority, or insert myself into the chain of command, but I am expected to give my advice and ensure that the president is fully informed.”
It seems like China also had this same fear. Milly made the right decision in calling them to calm them down, because even if they did not think the threat was legitimate, the call did not hurt. It does not seem this call would have been possible if Trump was able to block it.
