Milley: Talks with Russian counterpart 'purposeful', 'worthwhile'

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US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley revealed on Monday that his recent conversation with Russian counterpart Gen. Valery Gerasimov has been "purposeful and worthwhile."

During a press conference, Milley said that "I don't share the contents and detail of that discussion, but that it was done is important and it was purposeful and worthwhile."

Risk of US running low on munitions "relatively low"

The US General claimed that the risk of the United States running low on munitions due to significant military aid packages provided to Ukraine amid the war with Russia is “relatively low".

Milley pointed out that the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, will carefully look at the munitions issue "to make sure that we don't drop below levels that become moderate, significant, high risk." 

Milley refuses to confirm sending troops to Taiwan

In a different context, Milley and Austin avoided answering a question about the possibility of sending troops to defend Taiwan should China allegedly "invade" it.

“I will render my advice at the moment in time to the President [Joe Biden] and the Secretary of Defense,” Milley said.

On his part, Austin indicated that the US policy toward Taiwan has not changed.

This comes as US President Joe Biden said Friday during his visit to Japan that the United States is ready to get involved militarily "defend" Taiwan in the event of a "Chinese invasion".

China has urged the United States to be careful in what it says and does regarding the Taiwan issue and informed Washington that Beijing will take strong action to protect its sovereignty and security interests, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin pointed out on Monday commenting on Biden’s remarks.