a meeting in october chinese bishops said xi s view on religion describing his vision of one that encompasses chinese characteristics. clerics have called this the most assertive attempt to impact and influence the diocese in hong kong. julie. julie: alex hogan, thank you. benjamin. benjamin: this afternoon president biden and vladimir putin will hold their second phone call just this month. it comes as russia continues to mass troops along its border with ukraine stoking fears of an invasion. senior white house official saying both leaders believe there is genuine value in direct leader to leader engagement. we re at a moment of crisis and have been for some weeks now. let s bring in sarah westwood from the washington examiner . thank you for being with us today. i just wonder they spoke a few weeks ago on december 7th.