China has discovered 27 bugging devices in a US-made Boeing 767 it bought for the personal use of President Jiang Zemin, it was reported today.
The tiny, hi-tech devices were hidden in the jet's upholstery, including in the president's bathroom and the headboard of his bed, the Financial Timessaid.
It said Mr Jiang was outraged at the discovery.
The bugs were discovered when they emitted static during a test flight after the plane's delivery in August, the newspaper said.
But in a separate report, the Washington Postsaid the plane was never flown. It said People's Liberation Army communications experts found the bugs in October, days before the plane's first voyage.
It said the jet was now sitting with its insides torn out on an air base north of Beijing.
The Washington Postreport said Chinese officials blamed US intelligence agencies for the bugs and the incident would be raised during President Bush's February 21 summit with President Jiang in Beijing.
The reports described the devices as satellite-controlled and more complex than those available commercially.
AFP