John King: China, tax cuts and other political news in the spotlight

John King

CNN Moderator: Good morning John King. Welcome, as always, to CNN.com Newsroom. What does the administration say today about the resumption of surveillance activity off the coast of China?

John King: The White House is saying very little -- declining any public comment because it says it does not discuss operational details. But privately sources confirm to us that the flights have resumed, and that the first one was considered routine -- no problems. More to come.

Question from chat room: Mr. King, the U.S. seems to be forcing a confrontation with the People's Republic of China. Why is the PRC deemed to be a threat? Is the current posture to defend Taiwan the only reason? It seems that Taiwan can defend itself.

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John King: Well the administration would dispute the idea that it is trying to force a confrontation. But the White House does say it is taking a more realistic approach. On the military front, the U.S. says China has 300 ballistic missiles pointed at Taiwan and is adding 50 a year, and if that continues that the U.S. will be inclined to help Taiwan with military equipment. The U.S. view now is that Taiwan cannot defend itself, especially when China's recent missile buildup and ongoing modernization of its naval forces are taken into account.

CNN Moderator: With Congress voting on the tax cut plan this week, what's the strategy of the Democratic opposition?

John King: The Democratic leadership wants to limit to as few as possible the number of Democrats who support the budget resolution. Then the House and Senate will get back about the business of actually turning the numbers in the resolution to a new modified tax cut plan. The Democrats will try to make that geared more toward middle-income taxpayers than, at least in their view, the initial Bush plan. Watch the Senate Finance Committee to see how successful the Democrats will be in reshaping the details.

Question from chat room: What's the latest with the faith-based initiative, and why must all groups be included?

John King: The president's plan is now being revised in the Congress; a bipartisan group led by Senators Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, are leading the effort in the Senate. As for all groups -- the legislation would be unconstitutional (some will challenge it on these grounds anyway) if it discriminated against any faith. But the lawmakers say they will try to draft it in a way that makes it fair but not open to abuse by groups they say are fringe or extremist. The problem is defining fringe or extremist.

Question from chat room: Hi John: What's the latest with missile defense? Do we know if any missiles are pointed at us?

John King: Well the Russians still have missiles pointed at the U.S., and China has a few missiles that could reach Alaska or Hawaii - some say Los Angeles. The president's missile defense plan is still more theory than plan. His speech last week offered very few details. But he hopes to flesh it out over the next several months as he makes two trips to Europe to meet with allies and the Russian president.

CNN Moderator: Any indication that the administration's energy report due out in a few weeks will offer any specifics for the shortages and high prices Americans are experiencing?

John King: There is virtually nothing in it that deals with the short term It is all a five to ten-year plan to add refineries and power plants and increase exploration. There are some conservation measures that are more short term, but if you mean the price at the pump, the White House reiterated today that the president will resist the "siren song" of proposed quick fixes like suspending the federal gas tax.

Question from chat room: Thank you, Mr. King, for the superb reporting from the White House. Does the White House, at this moment, have a shortlist of the most likely Democratic opponent to run against Bush in 2004? If so, who is on top of the list?

John King: Well, some still think Al Gore will give it another go. And many see the "cold shoulder" Democrats say this White House has given California -- now the White House disputes this -- as evidence the administration wants to discourage Governor Gray Davis as a national candidate. Any list here by the president's advisers would include Gore, Lieberman, Davis, Dick Gephardt, maybe Joe Biden and a few other senators. But it is early.

Question from chat room: Mr. King--were you at the White House ballgame Saturday?

John King: My colleague Kelly Wallace was manning the fort. I was actually playing softball in a league I play in when I can. We won two games -- I am sure you wanted to know that!

CNN Moderator: What's on the president's agenda this week?

John King: A big week: he has a big speech on trade today, has to watch the congressional votes on the budget resolution Tuesday and is gearing up for the energy plan rollout and he is awaiting the Pentagon review recommendations of Secretary Rumsfeld. So as always, a busy and diverse week ahead.

CNN Moderator: Thank you for joining us today, John King. Look forward to talking with you again next week. Same time, same place.

John King: Thank you...enjoyed it as always. Take care.

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