Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=1/20/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S CHINA PLANE (L-O)

NUMBER=2-285457

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Top Bush administration officials are downplaying reports listening devices were found in an American jet built for use by Chinese President Jiang Zemin. They say no such concerns have been raised by the Chinese. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson has more on the story.

TEXT: Secretary of State Colin Powell says the Chinese have never mentioned a bugged plane in conversations with him or any other senior U-S official.

/// POWELL ACT ///

I am not aware of any contacts between us and the Chinese government concerning this so-called matter that we read about in the newspapers yesterday.

/// END ACT ///

During an interview with the "Fox News Sunday" television program, Mr. Powell did not directly address the accuracy of the reports, which appeared Saturday in Washington and London newspapers. But he said he did not expect they would raise a dark cloud over President Bush's planned trip to China next month.

/// POWELL ACT TWO ///

We have been in touch with the Chinese government. They were delighted that we notified them that President Bush would be available next month to travel to China and they gave us an instantaneous response: "Welcome...come on ahead." So we are looking forward to that trip and I do not expect anything to derail that trip.

/// END ACT ///

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was also asked about the reports during an appearance on N-B-C television's "Meet the Press." His response was quick and blunt.

/// RUMSFELD ACT ///

I have no knowledge of that subject at all.

/// END ACT ///

London's Financial Times reported Saturday that Chinese intelligence officers discovered more than 20 sophisticated listening devices hidden in the Boeing-767. The Washington Post said Chinese officials believe the bugs were hidden by U-S intelligence agencies. (SIGNED)

NEB/PW/RAE