live from london. this is bbc news. on the 25th anniversary of the good friday agreement — the uk prime minister calls for power sharing to return to northern ireland. the mother of two british—israeli sisters killed in an attack in the west bank has now also died. a shooting in the us city of louisville leaves five dead — including the gunman. at least six people are taken to hospital. the chinese military says they have completed their tasks around taiwan after a third day of military drills day of military drills.

welcome to bbc news. we begin in northern ireland — which is marking 25 years since the signing of the good friday agreement. the historic peace deal largely ended decades of violence in northern ireland. but uk prime minister rishi sunak says — efforts must be intensified to restore the power—sharing government that was central to the deal. it collapsed in the fall—out from brexit and now the political dysfunction and security concerns are threatening to overshadow it collapsed in the fall—out from brexit and now the political dysfunction and security concerns are threatening to overshadow the historic milestone. i spoke earlier to the bbc�*s mark simpson, who was present at the signing of the agreement. even though we heard the british, irish and american governments involved when he came to the multiparty negotiations here in belfast we thought one of the key

players would walk out at the last minute. they didn't. there was an agreement. it was such a shock i got my copy. you saw other copies being printed at the time, i kept it because i knew it was very rare in irish politics for polar opposites to our grave. they did agree. this agreement wasn't perfect. we've seen all the evidence of that. and that report we've just seeing, certainly at the time it was a surprise and it certainly saved a lot of lies was up three and a half thousand people were killed in the 25 years before this agreement, very few has died sense. a ~' this agreement, very few has died sense. a, ~ ., this agreement, very few has died sense. ~ ., , ., this agreement, very few has died sense. ~ ., , . , sense. mark, of course you have this historic image _ sense. mark, of course you have this historic image of _ sense. mark, of course you have this historic image of the _ sense. mark, of course you have this historic image of the negotiations. i historic image of the negotiations. that silhouette i just want to show our audience those images. tell us a little bit more about what's happening here.— little bit more about what's hauenina here. ~ . �*, ., ,, happening here. what's happening there is it is _ happening here. what's happening there is it is in _ happening here. what's happening there is it is in the _ happening here. what's happening there is it is in the middle - happening here. what's happening there is it is in the middle of - happening here. what's happening there is it is in the middle of the l there is it is in the middle of the night. the night before good friday, the deadline had just been passed. we were looking for any signs that there might be a deal. all of a sudden we saw a hug. this was in the

social and democratic labour party room, the moderate national israel, they were keen to leave my key to the talks. john hume was the leader of the party. all of a sudden we saw his negotiators in embracing and we knew then, only then that deal was on. . ., . , knew then, only then that deal was on. ., ., ., , ., , . on. extraordinary. in that piece we 'ust did, on. extraordinary. in that piece we just did. there _ on. extraordinary. in that piece we just did, there is _ on. extraordinary. in that piece we just did, there is trouble _ on. extraordinary. in that piece we just did, there is trouble in - on. extraordinary. in that piece we just did, there is trouble in derry l just did, there is trouble in derry today as well. irate just did, there is trouble in derry today as well-— today as well. we shouldn't be surprised- _ today as well. we shouldn't be surprised. it _ today as well. we shouldn't be surprised. it was _ today as well. we shouldn't be surprised. it was called - today as well. we shouldn't be surprised. it was called the - today as well. we shouldn't be l surprised. it was called the good friday agreement but nobody thought it would necessarily lead to good government and the perfect peace. and so it has proved are always surprise? maybe not. this is bringing polar opposites together and making them share power. they're not doing that at the moment. we shouldn't be surprised, it's the equivalent of washington saying to the democrats in washington green republican saying you have to share power. or talking tojory and labour parties. that in terms of politicians for that you can see evidence of that. there is still a

very small and i should emphasise a very small and i should emphasise a very small and i should emphasise a very small minority of people who still believe that they can ball and shoot their way to a united ireland. they are minuscule groups compared to the ira who were so active 30 years ago. to the ira who were so active 30 years ago-— to the ira who were so active 30 earsauo. ~ ,. , ., , years ago. minuscule but in many wa s years ago. minuscule but in many ways peace _ years ago. minuscule but in many ways peace remains _ years ago. minuscule but in many ways peace remains a _ years ago. minuscule but in many ways peace remains a work - years ago. minuscule but in many ways peace remains a work in - ways peace remains a work in progress. ways peace remains a work in progress-— ways peace remains a work in rouress. ~ , ., , progress. absolutely. i was nearly late for this _ progress. absolutely. i was nearly late for this interview _ progress. absolutely. i was nearly late for this interview because - progress. absolutely. i was nearly late for this interview because i i late for this interview because i couldn't get into the bbc building in belfast because they are preparing outside for the current us president to come here to belfast tomorrow. one of the reasons these comments in political process there is still quite fragile. and it needs all the support, all the encouragement it can get. [30 all the support, all the encouragement it can get. do you believe that — encouragement it can get. do you believe that his _ encouragement it can get. do you believe that his visit _ encouragement it can get. do you believe that his visit will - encouragement it can get. do you believe that his visit will have the | believe that his visit will have the kind of impact that he's for? maybe not kind of impact that he's for? maybe rrot politically _ kind of impact that he's for? maybe not politically but _ kind of impact that he's for? maybe not politically but economically - kind of impact that he's for? maybe not politically but economically it i not politically but economically it will really help northern ireland plc, the business community to see the most powerful politician in the world on the streets of belfast. i

would say suck it or break the political deadlock but they may be economic dividend, perhaps even in terms of tourism here. in economic dividend, perhaps even in terms of tourism here.— terms of tourism here. in the last few da s terms of tourism here. in the last few days we _ terms of tourism here. in the last few days i've been _ terms of tourism here. in the last few days i've been seeing - terms of tourism here. in the last few days i've been seeing and - few days i've been seeing and hearing from young people there who talk about their generation has grown up in different times and what they're looking for and what they never imagined was the kind of prosperity that we are seeing, the kind ofjobs that need to become available to them. i suppose in some ways to ensure we don't see the kind of —— although small—scale violence we have seen in the last 2a hours. you have reported around the world and you will have seen in countries where it may be the politicians are still arguing but people get on with it. business gets on with it. people try and make the best they can of their own lives. we are seeing that in northern ireland. we start 25 years ago and were still seeing it now. ., ., , years ago and were still seeing it now. . ., , ~ years ago and were still seeing it now. . ~ ,, ., now. that was mark simpson, our correspondent _ now. that was mark simpson, our correspondent in _ now. that was mark simpson, our correspondent in belfast. -

let's cross over to the white house now where national security council spokes person, john kirby and white house press we are expecting to hear from the national security council spokesperson as well as the white house press secretary. as it is a press conference begins at the white house we will be taking you there live. the mother of two israeli sisters who were killed in a gun attack in the occupied west bank on friday has died of wounds she sustained in the attack. the family has released pictures of lucy dee — seen here with her two daughters maya and rina. the three of them were travelling in a car, when a man opened fire on them. the two sisters died at the scene. the father and husband of the victims, rabbi leo dee has spoken to the international media and spoke about how the event changed the life of his family forever. iam the i am the husband of lucy dee and the

father of five beautiful kids. that is until friday morning at 10:52 a:m.. lucy had had two bullets, one through her brain stem and one lodge in the top of her spine. there was an operation, there was reason for hope but allows our family is seven is now a family of four.— is now a family of four. devastated rabbi dee speaking _ is now a family of four. devastated rabbi dee speaking about - is now a family of four. devastated rabbi dee speaking about the - is now a family of four. devastated l rabbi dee speaking about the death of his two daughters and his wife. earlier i spoke to a jerusalem correspondent about this press conference and the current tensions in israel. , , , , conference and the current tensions in israel, , , , ., in israel. just buried his two daughters. _ in israel. just buried his two daughters, he _ in israel. just buried his two daughters, he is _ in israel. just buried his two daughters, he is now- in israel. just buried his two daughters, he is now facing| in israel. just buried his two . daughters, he is now facing the prospect of burying his wife as well. the statement was fairly short, it was both personal and political. he spoke about the time when he realised it was his family caught up in the attack that he had been hearing about. he described trying to call his wife, getting no answer, calling his daughters, getting no answer again and then realising that he had a missed call

from his younger daughter that he hadn't heard and hadn't picked up, which he said would continue to haunt him. he had a wider message to. he called on people to differentiate between good and evil and criticise some of the moral relativism he saw in the media and on social media. he also urged people to show support for the family at this time by showing their support for israel online. this family at this time by showing their support for israel online.— support for israel online. this has been art support for israel online. this has been part of— support for israel online. this has been part of rising _ support for israel online. this has been part of rising violence - support for israel online. this has been part of rising violence over. been part of rising violence over the last few months.— been part of rising violence over the last few months. yes, that's ri . ht. the last few months. yes, that's riuht. on the last few months. yes, that's right- 0n the — the last few months. yes, that's right. on the day _ the last few months. yes, that's right. on the day that _ the last few months. yes, that's right. on the day that this - the last few months. yes, that's| right. on the day that this family was caught up in the attack in the occupied west bank there was also an attack in tel aviv, a suspected car brimming attack that killed one italian man, injured several others. there have been these sorts of ad hoc attacks rising for months. but there have also been in the last week a really sharp increase in rocket attacks by militant groups,

both from gaza and the northern border around israel with lebanon and syria from the syrian army. and with israel responding with air strikes in all of those places. there is a multi—front activity that is happened over the last week. largely triggered it seems by the actions of israeli police entering the mosque to try and evict people who are barricading themselves inside there. this all comes at a time of tension because three religious festival are coinciding over the weekend. easter, thejewish festival of passover and the muslim holy month of ramadan. that makes any sort of visit to the compound particularly sensitive. the actions of israeli police there, they say they were trying to keep security, keep the status quo. but their actions and entering the mosque has triggered over the past week a real rise in tensions. lucy williamson reporting from

jerusalem. the israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu has reversed his decision to fire his defence minister two weeks after announcing his dismissal. he had been fired after speaking out publicly against mr netanyahu whose controversial plans to overhaul she is two israel's judicial system. speaking on monday the two had resolved their disagreement and he will remain in post. let's go to the united states. at least five people including the gunman have been killed in a shooting in kentucky. police have confirmed that the assailant is now dead in the attack at a bank in louisville. six more people have been injured and taken to hospitals, after the incident in the east main street near slugger field stadium. earlier police gave this update and say they believe the attacker was a previous employee of the bank.

within three minutes of being dispatched, officers arrived on scene and encountered the suspect almost immediately firing gunshots. officers exchanged gunshots with the suspect and ultimately the suspect did die at the scene. we are trying to confirm if that suspect died of a self—inflicted gunshot wound, or was killed by officers at this time. at least two officers were shot during this exchange of gunfire. one is currently in surgery. at least four more victims were confirmed to be deceased inside the location. as well as eight that are now currently being treated at hospital. two are critical, one of those being the officer. also speaking at that press conference was kentucky governor, who explained how the attack had directly impacted him. this is awful. i have a very close friend _ this is awful. i have a very close friend that — this is awful. i have a very close friend that didn't make it today.

and i_ friend that didn't make it today. and i have — friend that didn't make it today. and i have another close friend who didn't— and i have another close friend who didn't eitherand and i have another close friend who didn't either and what it was at the hospital— didn't either and what it was at the hospital that i hope is going to make — hospital that i hope is going to make it — hospital that i hope is going to make it through. so when we talk about— make it through. so when we talk about praying, i'll people will. for those _ about praying, i'll people will. for those that — about praying, i'll people will. for those that we are hoping can make it through— those that we are hoping can make it through the — those that we are hoping can make it through the surgeries that going through — through the surgeries that going through. then we gotta do what week has done _ through. then we gotta do what week has done over the last three years after— has done over the last three years after everything, we better wrap her arms around these families. and to everybody— arms around these families. and to everybody who needs it, don't be afraid _ everybody who needs it, don't be afraid to — everybody who needs it, don't be afraid to get some help. the kentucky — afraid to get some help. the kentucky governor. - afraid to get some help. the kentucky governor. it - afraid to get some help. the kentucky governor. it is - afraid to get some help. the kentucky governor. it is to l afraid to get some help. the - kentucky governor. it is to some extent a familiar _ kentucky governor. it is to some extent a familiar discussion. - kentucky governor. it is to some l extent a familiar discussion. there have been an increase in mass shootings over recent years. it's led to a debate being reignited by the debate that's long been there about gun control in the united states for president biden of course a democrat has spoken frequently about his frustration that there aren't tighter gun control. they did

pass a bipartisan act last year called the safe communities act, which didn't ban any weapons but did things like provide more funding for school security, mental health support as well. but president biden has spoke of his desire to go further, ban assault weapons. of course there are politicians, more on the republican side, people in america who feel that it's very important that as citizens they have the right to bear arms as per the second amendment. it's a debate that goes on but everybody�*s thoughts at the moment with the victims of the shooting that has unfolded this morning. shooting that has unfolded this morninu. , , shooting that has unfolded this morninu, , ., ., shooting that has unfolded this morninu, , . ,, ,., ., morning. just parker reporting from washington- — just parker reporting from washington. around the world and across the uk. this is bbc news. james badger has committed to riding in memory of his wife, phyllida.

she said she was tired and fatigued and went to see our gp and sadly found out that she had leukaemia. she started chemotherapy and blood transfusions straightaway. very sadly within 36 hours, she died. over time, he decided something good had to come out of her sudden death. on the first anniversary, james and three friends will begin their 1000 mile route to raise money for blood cancer uk. he is cycling 100 times maybe in a year. gone a hundred times it may be a year~ _ gone a hundred times it may be a year. the survival rate for acute myeloid leukaemia isjust10%. research could improve that. a family team working together determined to make a difference. you're live with bbc news. the italian coastguard says it's

carrying out two major operations for migrant southeast of sicily. one involves a boat carrying about 800 people, a rescue complicated by the fact that it so overloaded. a second one involves another fishing vessel with about 400 people in board. on sunday that boat had been reported as being addressed. one of the charities monitoring is sea water to release this footage of a pilots urgent description of a migrant boat in distress at sea. the urgent description of a migrant boat in distress at sea.— in distress at sea. the boat is leakinu. in distress at sea. the boat is leaking. water _ in distress at sea. the boat is leaking. water is _ in distress at sea. the boat is leaking. water is entering - in distress at sea. the boat is| leaking. water is entering the in distress at sea. the boat is - leaking. water is entering the boat. the boat is out of fuel. they have no drinking water any more. there are pregnant women involved and ten babies. �* ., . . , babies. over. a video that was sent out from the _ babies. over. a video that was sent out from the charity _ babies. over. a video that was sent out from the charity sea _ babies. over. a video that was sent out from the charity sea water for i the now — to the tensions around taiwan — where china has carried out a third day of drills — effectively rehearsing sealing off taiwan. taiwan's defence ministry says, it detected

11 chinese warships and 59 aircraft around the island — these are some of the latest images of the drills, released by china's military, and shown on the country's state television. the chinese display of force has added to tension between china and the united states. and the us navy says — it has sailed a guided missile destroyer, through contested waters claimed by china near the spratly islands — to assert navigational passage rights. shaima khalil reports. a show of force and fury. for a third day, china's military continued what it calls operationjoint sword — aerial and naval blockade drills to seal off the island. the chinese army showed this short video of simulated attacks on taiwan, with missiles fired from land, sea and air

into the island's territory. the chinese military confirmed that its aircraft carrier, the shandong, has taken part in monday's exercises. chinese officials said fighter planes, loaded with live ammunition, had carried out multiple waves of simulated strikes on important targets. china is infuriated by the taiwanese president's visit to the us. this is beijing's promised robust response to what it says was a serious act of collusion. china sees the self—ruled island as part of its territory and insists it should be unified with the mainland — by force, if necessary. today, the chinese government reiterated its message. translation: the taiwan question is for china alone to decide. - the biggest threat to peace in the taiwan strait is taiwanese separatism and its support from foreign forces. in shanghai, residents voiced their support for the military exercises. translation: conducting these drills is a normal thing for china. _ we need to show the us

that we are able to do this. what taiwan says or thinks isn't important. translation: we still need to deter taiwanese separatists. _ we're also telling the international community that taiwan is a part of china. these operations are meaningful. as china displayed a wide array of weapons, the us navy said its guided missile destroyer milius performed what washington calls a "freedom of navigation operation" in the south china sea, large parts of which are claimed by beijing. the chinese government's said the us has illegally intruded in its waters. china said its military drills have ended successfully, but there is no end in sight for the tensions between beijing and washington. shaima khalil, bbc news, tokyo. as we report on china conducting drills around taiwan in response to.

..to president tsai ing—wen's meeting with the speaker of the us house of representatives kevin mccarthy last week... there's also another story making headlines. french president emmanuel macron wrapped up his three—day state visit to china by saying that europe had no interest in an acceleration of the crisis over taiwan and should pursue a strategy independent of both washington and beijing. this has no doubt caused anger and outrage in the us and europe. let's discuss further. joining me as ian williams. we are hoping to speak to speak to victor gao in washington, a former chinese diplomat and vice president of the think tank the centre for china and globalisation. as soon as we have victor we will bring him in. ijust want to get your reaction from these remarks made by president macron. i think erha -s made by president macron. i think perhaps all— made by president macron. i think perhaps all the — made by president macron. i think perhaps all the pageantry - made by president macron. i think perhaps all the pageantry in - made by president macron. i try “ia; perhaps all the pageantry in beijing somewhat went to his head. i don't

think anybody wants to see an acceleration of the crisis around taiwan. it is china itself, is the chinese communist party who is responsible for that acceleration. i think it's beholding on western democracies to stand up to that, to voice their support for taiwan, it's the most effective way of deterring china. it does seem extraordinary that macron is reiterating the chinese playbook, china has been working quite hard to try to separate europe from the united states when it comes to taiwan policy and indeed policy over ukraine. i do think this is quite an extraordinary statement and perhaps the whole visit to beijing has a slightly retro feel about it. the - ur - ose slightly retro feel about it. the purpose of _ slightly retro feel about it. the purpose of the _ slightly retro feel about it. the purpose of the trip really was for president macron to go see xu xing praying and say look, if you have

any influence over vladimir putin, can you work on winding this war down for them in the end it was turned into something else. it was. i think if turned into something else. it was. i think if that _ turned into something else. it was. i think if that was _ turned into something else. it was. i think if that was the _ turned into something else. it was. i think if that was the purpose - turned into something else. it was. i think if that was the purpose of i i think if that was the purpose of the visit its failed dismally. we saw no sign firm xu xing pang of any softening of his stairs. he is yet to criticise his... i softening of his stairs. he is yet to criticise his. . .— to criticise his... i have to interrupt _ to criticise his... i have to interrupt you. _ to criticise his... i have to interrupt you. we - to criticise his... i have to interrupt you. we have i to criticise his... i have to interrupt you. we have a l to criticise his... i have to i interrupt you. we have a live to criticise his... i have to - interrupt you. we have a live press conference at the white house with the national security council spokesperson in the white house press secretary briefing us on president biden his upcoming trip to ireland and the united kingdom. let's have a listen. deliver remarks marking tremendous progress since the signing of the belgrade good friday agreement 25 years ago. it’ll belgrade good friday agreement 25 ears auo. �* . , , belgrade good friday agreement 25 earsauo. �* . ,, ., years ago. it'll - the readiness of the united _ years ago. it'll - the readiness of the united states _ years ago. it'll - the readiness of the united states to _ years ago. it'll - the readiness of the united states to support - the united states to support northern ireland vast economic potential to the benefit of all communities. today i think you all know is the 25th anniversary since

the belfast good friday agreement was signed for the ending decades of violence and bringing peace and stability to northern ireland. he president biden cares deeply about northern ireland and has a long history of supporting peace and prosperity they are. as us senator joe biden was an advocate for how the united states would play a constructive role in supporting peace. following his speech the president will travel to ireland on wednesday afternoon. he will visit where his great—grandfatherjames where his great—grandfather james finnegan where his great—grandfatherjames finnegan was born in the finnigan family lived before they cross the seed to begin a new life in america. they will tour a castle. i wednesday night the president will spend the night the president will spend the night in dover. on thursday he will meet with president higgins of ireland and participate in a tree—planting ceremony and ringing of the peace bell. following that ceremony he will meet again whom the presidentjust hosted dinner here for st. patrick's day, ithink you'll remember. in both meanings the president will discuss the close cooperation on a full range of

shared global challenges for the pay he will then address a joint session of irish parliament about us irish cooperation to advance democracy, peace, security and prosperity good as well as the sheer deep history between the united states and ireland. today one in ten americans claim irish ancestry for the irish—americans are privately represented in every facet of american life of the island is a key economic partner of the united states put up the united states and ireland are working closely together to make a global economy more fair. ireland has been a key partnerfor zist ireland has been a key partnerfor 21st century challenges as well for the parish government has been strong supporters of ukraine, providing vital non—lethal assistance including medical supplies, body armourand assistance including medical supplies, body armour and support for ukraine's electric grid as well as the agriculture. they have supported eu sections on russia and the people of ireland and generously welcomed nearly 80,000 ukrainians, offering refuge from those who are forced to flee their homes in search of safety. on thursday night president biden will attend a

banquet dinner at dublin castle. on friday the president will travel where he will tour the sanctuary of our lady of knock and visit the north male heritage and genealogical centres and family history research unit. he will then deliver remarks, which is great great—grandfather, greg, great, great grandfather sold 20,000 bricks to in 1827. those bricks were used to construct and support the great cathedral and help edward iv to buy tickets for himself and for his family to sail to america decades later in 1851. the president is very much looking forward to that trip again and to celebrate the deep historic ties that our two countries and to people continue to share. with that i will take some questions. fin continue to share. with that i will take some questions.— take some questions. on the classified _ take some questions. on the classified document - take some questions. on the classified document leaks, . take some questions. on the i classified document leaks, has take some questions. on the - classified document leaks, has the president— classified document leaks, has the president been_ classified document leaks, has the president been briefed _ classified document leaks, has the president been briefed on- classified document leaks, has the president been briefed on this - president been briefed on this breach— president been briefed on this breach does— president been briefed on this breach does the _ president been briefed on this breach does the us _ president been briefed on this i breach does the us government president been briefed on this - breach does the us government at this have _ breach does the us government at this have any— breach does the us government at this have any sense _ breach does the us government at this have any sense of—

breach does the us government at this have any sense of who? - breach does the us government at this have any sense of who? the l this have any sense of who? the resident this have any sense of who? the president has — this have any sense of who? president has been this have any sense of who? tiiu; president has been briefed. this have any sense of who? president has been briefed. he this have any sense of who?- president has been briefed. he was brief last week when we all got word that there were some documents out there. he has been briefed and in contact with national security throughout the weekend for the p has been brief. as for the source, as you know, the department of defence has referred this to the department ofjustice for a criminal investigation. i certainly would refer you to them but i'm not aware they've come to any conclusions at this point about where they are coming from. that this point about where they are coming from-— this point about where they are comin: from. �* , ,., ., i. coming from. at this point, do you believe the — coming from. at this point, do you believe the leak— coming from. at this point, do you believe the leak is _ coming from. at this point, do you believe the leak is contained? - coming from. at this point, do you i believe the leak is contained? other more _ believe the leak is contained? other more documents _ believe the leak is contained? other more documents out _ believe the leak is contained? other more documents out there - believe the leak is contained? other more documents out there that - believe the leak is contained? 0ther| more documents out there that have not been. _ more documents out there that have not been. is — more documents out there that have not been, is this _ more documents out there that have not been, is this an _ more documents out there that have not been, is this an ongoing - more documents out there that have not been, is this an ongoing threat? | not been, is this an ongoing threat? we truly— not been, is this an ongoing threat? we truly don't — not been, is this an ongoing threat? we truly don't know. _ not been, is this an ongoing threat? we truly don't know.— we truly don't know. moving to the tension between _ we truly don't know. moving to the tension between shia _ we truly don't know. moving to the tension between shia and - we truly don't know. moving to the i tension between shia and anti-wonka tension between shia and anti—wonka we know— tension between shia and anti—wonka we know the — tension between shia and anti—wonka we know the president _ tension between shia and anti—wonka we know the president can _ tension between shia and anti—wonka we know the president can pick- tension between shia and anti—wonka we know the president can pick up. we know the president can pick up the phone — we know the president can pick up the phone any— we know the president can pick up the phone any time. _ we know the president can pick up the phone any time. why- we know the president can pick up the phone any time. why hasn't. we know the president can pick up| the phone any time. why hasn't he 'ust the phone any time. why hasn't he just picked — the phone any time. why hasn't he just picked up— the phone any time. why hasn't he just picked up the _ the phone any time. why hasn't he just picked up the phone _ the phone any time. why hasn't he just picked up the phone and - the phone any time. why hasn't he| just picked up the phone and called president— just picked up the phone and called president xi — just picked up the phone and called president xi and _ just picked up the phone and called president xi and save _ just picked up the phone and called president xi and save doctor? - just picked up the phone and called president xi and save doctor? thel president xi and save doctor? the resident president xi and save doctor? president has spoken to president xi and save doctor? tiiu; president has spoken to him president xi and save doctor? president has spoken to him and president xi and save doctor?- president has spoken to him and had

a conversation with president xi. we will do that at at the appropriate time we will keep you apprised of that. it's important the lines of communication stay open. the tensions are certainly high right now. would like to see this relationship get onto a better footing. what is appropriate for the two leaders to talk then they will. i want to stress that said, we are and have been able to maintain lines of communication between our two countries even throughout all these tensions. in fact, we are still working to get secretary blinking back on a plane over to beijing as he was planning to do a couple of months ago. we are in talks with the about potential visits by secretary yellin at their invitation to talk about economic issues. it’s yellin at their invitation to talk about economic issues. it's not --oular about economic issues. it's not popular but _ about economic issues. it's not popular but with _ about economic issues. it's not popular but with the _ about economic issues. it's not popular but with the president | about economic issues. it's not - popular but with the president speak directly? _ popular but with the president speak directly? with— popular but with the president speak directly? with to _ popular but with the president speak directly? with to be _ popular but with the president speak directly? with to be any _ directly? with to be any conversation _ directly? with to be any conversation there? - directly? with to be any i conversation there? what directly? with to be any - conversation there? what is his directly? with to be any _ conversation there? what is his take on this— conversation there? what is his take on this meeting _ conversation there? what is his take on this meeting between _ conversation there? what is his take on this meeting between house - on this meeting between house speaker— on this meeting between house speaker mccarthy— on this meeting between house speaker mccarthy and - on this meeting between house speaker mccarthy and the - on this meeting between house - speaker mccarthy and the president side? _ speaker mccarthy and the president side? blot— speaker mccarthy and the president side? ., .., ., speaker mccarthy and the president side? ., ., ., . , side? not uncommon for a president of taiwan to — side? not uncommon for a president

of taiwan to transit _ side? not uncommon for a president of taiwan to transit the _ side? not uncommon for a president of taiwan to transit the united - of taiwan to transit the united states as he did. it's also not uncommon for taiwan officials, certainly if the president was to meet with members of congress as he did. it's very typical. no reason for any overreaction here. still in taiwan, for any overreaction here. still in taiwan. how _ for any overreaction here. still in taiwan, how does _ for any overreaction here. still in taiwan, how does the _ for any overreaction here. still in taiwan, how does the us - for any overreaction here. still in taiwan, how does the us eitherl for any overreaction here. still in i taiwan, how does the us either let us military— taiwan, how does the us either let us military exercises _ taiwan, how does the us either let us military exercises and _ taiwan, how does the us either let us military exercises and is - taiwan, how does the us either let us military exercises and is that i us military exercises and is that you as — us military exercises and is that you as comfortable _ us military exercises and is that you as comfortable with - us military exercises and is that you as comfortable with taiwan| us military exercises and is that - you as comfortable with taiwan and help from _ you as comfortable with taiwan and help from there _ you as comfortable with taiwan and help from there you _ you as comfortable with taiwan and help from there you will— you as comfortable with taiwan and help from there you will continue i you as comfortable with taiwan and| help from there you will continue to deter china — help from there you will continue to deter china from _ help from there you will continue to deter china from military— help from there you will continue to| deter china from military solutions? that sabre _ deter china from military solutions? that sabre rallying, _ deter china from military solutions? that sabre rallying, it's— deter china from military solutions? that sabre rallying, it's more - deter china from military solutions? that sabre rallying, it's more than. that sabre rallying, it's more than rallying _ that sabre rallying, it's more than rallying iiiis— that sabre rallying, it's more than rall inc. ~ ., that sabre rallying, it's more than rall inc. ~ . ., ., rallying. we are monitoring the exercises closely _ rallying. we are monitoring the exercises closely as _ rallying. we are monitoring the exercises closely as i _ rallying. we are monitoring the exercises closely as i think i rallying. we are monitoring the exercises closely as i think you | exercises closely as i think you might imagine. they appear to be a reaction to something that didn't need to be reacted to. in my previous answer, this is not uncommon for presidents of taiwan and this info to particular to

transit the united states was up there is no reason to react military or otherwise. we are very comfortable and confident that we have in place in the region sufficient resources and capabilities to protect our national security interest in the indo—pacific. i would add to your more specifically to your second question, there is no reason for tensions across the taiwan strait to devolve into any kind of conflict with the nothing has changed but i china policy, nothing strange about the fact that we don't support taiwan independence and nothing strange about the fact that we don't want to see the status quo change unilaterally and certainly not by force. , ~.. ., , , unilaterally and certainly not by force. , ., , , ., force. president macron his visit to china, how — force. president macron his visit to china, how did _ force. president macron his visit to china, how did you _ force. president macron his visit to china, how did you react _ force. president macron his visit to china, how did you react to - force. president macron his visit to china, how did you react to his i china, how did you react to his comments _ china, how did you react to his comments about— china, how did you react to his comments about third - china, how did you react to his- comments about third superpower? to wish them _ comments about third superpower? to wish them well, — comments about third superpower? to wish them well, is _ comments about third superpower? to wish them well, is it— comments about third superpower? to wish them well, is itjust _ comments about third superpower? to wish them well, is itjust rhetoric- wish them well, is itjust rhetoric or is— wish them well, is itjust rhetoric or is it _ wish them well, is itjust rhetoric or is it kind — wish them well, is itjust rhetoric or is it kind of— wish them well, is itjust rhetoric or is it kind of annoying - wish them well, is itjust rhetoric or is it kind of annoying to- wish them well, is itjust rhetoric or is it kind of annoying to the i wish them well, is itjust rhetoric| or is it kind of annoying to the us administration? _ or is it kind of annoying to the us administration? i'll— or is it kind of annoying to the us administration?—

or is it kind of annoying to the us administration? i'll let that speak to president _ administration? i'll let that speak to president look _ administration? i'll let that speak to president look around - administration? i'll let that speak i to president look around comments, again comfortable and confident in the bilateral relationship we have with france. the relationship that the president has with president macron and the fact that we are working together in so many different issues and the french are stepping up in the indo—pacific. they are conducting operations as you and i are speaking right now. all in keeping with a concerted effort by all of us, this vast alliance and partnerships that we have two continue to make sure that we are standing up for stability, security, prosperity and a free and open indo—pacific. ih security, prosperity and a free and open indo-pacific._ open indo-pacific. in light of the classified documents _ open indo-pacific. in light of the classified documents i _ open indo-pacific. in light of the classified documents i wonder if| open indo-pacific. in light of the i classified documents i wonder if you can tell— classified documents i wonder if you can tell as— classified documents i wonder if you can tell as when _ classified documents i wonder if you can tell as when was _ classified documents i wonder if you can tell as when was the _ classified documents i wonder if you can tell as when was the last - classified documents i wonder if you can tell as when was the last time i can tell as when was the last time the protocol— can tell as when was the last time the protocol to— can tell as when was the last time the protocol to grant _ can tell as when was the last time the protocol to grant security i the protocol to grant security clearances _ the protocol to grant security clearances was _ the protocol to grant security clearances was updated - the protocol to grant security clearances was updated or i the protocol to grant security i clearances was updated or revised the protocol to grant security - clearances was updated or revised in the government? _ clearances was updated or revised in the government? and _ clearances was updated or revised in the government? and in _ clearances was updated or revised in the government? and in light- clearances was updated or revised in the government? and in light of- clearances was updated or revised in the government? and in light of the| the government? and in light of the leagues, does— the government? and in light of the leagues, does the _ the government? and in light of the leagues, does the president -

the government? and in light of the leagues, does the president believe he should _ leagues, does the president believe he should take _ leagues, does the president believe he should take another _ leagues, does the president believe he should take another look - leagues, does the president believe he should take another look at i leagues, does the president believel he should take another look at that? i he should take another look at that? ithink— he should take another look at that? i think the _ he should take another look at that? i think the department _ he should take another look at that? i think the department of— he should take another look at that? i think the department of defence is| i think the department of defence is already starting to take a look at distribution at the pentagon. i let him speak to that. i don't know the answer to your question, protocols for who is or who is not granted security clearances. there is already in place and remains in place a very diligent delivered effort to manage security clearances. sometimes we get knocked because it takes a little too long for peoples clearances to get approved because the process is so careful and delivered. to your question, i think we need to be careful right now. speculating or guessing what bb hindo who might be behind what looks like a potential leak here of classified information. were going to what are you saying there is a

question about whether this...