Former US President Donald Trump criticized Milley's meeting with his Chinese counterpart in the last month of his presidency without his knowledge.

"THE PENALTY WOULD HAVE BEEN DEATH"

According to media reports, Trump stated that Milley "went behind his back" and informed China about the US President's thoughts, adding, "This is such a terrible act that in the past would have been punishable by death."

"A war between China and the United States could have been the result of this treacherous act," Trump criticized Milley.

In testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee in September 2021, Lieutenant General Milley noted that he had made it clear to Chinese officials that Trump had not planned to attack China in his final weeks as president.

"WE WILL NOT ATTACK YOU"

On US relations with China, Milley said, "My mission at the time was to de-escalate tensions. My message was consistent: Stay calm, stay stable and de-escalate. We will not attack you."