The article specifically mentions the PLA as the bad guy. So that part was not left out. The whole story is hearsay so far. It's plausible, but best read with a good dose of salt.
If we believe the story up to the point where subcontractors are forced into planting the chips, we must accept that it's easiest and least risk for Chinese government actors to force them into it. Mounting a false-flag attack at Chinese subcontractors would be exceedingly difficult for foreign agents. They'd likely blow their cover when trying to represent Chinese officials.
If you want an alternate version, I suggest you start with the easiest: The whole thing didn't happen. And Bloomberg is a victim of propaganda.
If we believe the story up to the point where subcontractors are forced into planting the chips, we must accept that it's easiest and least risk for Chinese government actors to force them into it. Mounting a false-flag attack at Chinese subcontractors would be exceedingly difficult for foreign agents. They'd likely blow their cover when trying to represent Chinese officials.
If you want an alternate version, I suggest you start with the easiest: The whole thing didn't happen. And Bloomberg is a victim of propaganda.