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.”

Milley also said that, following the Jan. 8 call with his Chinese counterpart, he briefed then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, in addition to Christopher Miller, who at the time was serving as acting defense secretary.