• President Joe Biden said he has 'great confidence' in General Mark Milley after he admitted to holding calls with his Chinese counterpart working under Trump


• Press Secretary Jen Psaki called Milley a 'patriot' when defending him


• Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also expressed his support, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a briefing on Wednesday


• She said Biden has 'complete confidence' in Milley's 'fidelity to our Constitution'


• Former Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller, who led the Pentagon at the time of the second call, said he 'would never' authorize the 'secret' comms


• General Mark Milley confirmed the phone calls took place in a Wednesday statement via his spokesman Colonel Dave Butler


• A new book claims Milley phoned his Chinese counterpart to give reassurances two days after the January 6 Capitol riot


• Trump accused him of treason and Republicans are demanding he resign


• The book's revelations triggered a wave of concern that Milley had violated the chain of command and endangered national security


• All of the above was detailed in 'Peril', an upcoming book about the 2020 presidential election by journalists Bob Woodward and Robert Costa

MARK MILLEY'S STATEMENT ON CALLS WITH CHINA IN FULL
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 conveying reassurance in order to maintain strategic stability.

All calls from the Chairman to his counterparts, including those reported, are staffed, coordinated and communicated with the Department of Defense and the interagency.

Also in keeping with his responsibilities as senior military advisor to the President and Secretary of Defense, General Milley frequently conducts meetings with uniformed leaders across the Services to ensure all leaders are aware of current issues.

The meeting regarding nuclear weapons protocols was to remind uniformed leaders in the Pentagon of the long-established and robust procedures in light of media reporting on the subject.

General Milley continues to act and advise within his authority in the lawful tradition of civilian control of the military and his oath to the Constitution.