[UPDATE] Spokesman Defends Gen. Milley, Says Calls with China were ‘Vital’

Dave Butler says Gen Mark Milley’s calls with China were essential to ‘avoiding unintended consequences or conflict’ [UPDATE] The Pentagon responds to the growing scandal involving General Mark Milley *** Statement from Gen. Milley spokesman Col. Dave Butler “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 His calls with the Chinese and others in October and January were in keeping with these duties and responsibilities…