White House officials are bracing for a stiff protest from President Jiang Zemin during next month's summit with President George W. Bush after 27 bugging devices were pulled from a US-built Boeing 767 that was designed to serve as his official plane.
China had informed the US that its intelligence officers found the satellite-controlled listening devices throughout the plane's upholstery - including one inside a toilet and another in the headboard of the presidential bed - but was saving a formal protest for next month's summit, diplomatic sources said. Mr Jiang was reported to be furious at the discovery.
'We understand it may be something President Jiang is likely to raise in person . . . we are aware there is considerable anger out there,' one US source said.
'All indications are that this will not be allowed to derail what both sides are keen to ensure is a successful summit.'
Mr Jiang is due to meet Mr Bush on February 21 - their first full summit meeting together.
Mr Bush's administration has yet to comment officially on the discovery of the listening devices.