The illegal raid on the Chinese Consulate in the previous hour results in a major international incident. Cheng Zhi , the consulate's head of security, arrives at CTU with evidence—a surveillance photo of an unmasked CTU agent—proving American involvement.

In the 21st episode of Season 4, titled "Day 4: 3:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m.," the tension reaches a breaking point as the domestic threat of a nuclear launch converges with a major international diplomatic crisis. Plot Summary: Domestic and International Crises

The episode centers on two parallel conflicts: the physical hunt for terrorist leader and the political fallout from a raid on the Chinese Consulate .

Former President David Palmer and current President Charles Logan clash over how to handle the Chinese. Palmer advocates for "plausible deniability" and moving forward with the mission, while a panicked Logan worries about the fragile relationship with China and accuses Palmer of undermining him. Key Character Developments

Habib Marwan has an actual nuclear missile, not just a portable warhead Day 4: 3:00am-4:00am - Wiki 24 | Fandom

Critics and viewers often highlight this episode for its relentless pacing and high-stakes "cliffhanger" ending.

Reviewers on IMDb praised the episode's "masterful build-up of suspense" and the kinetic energy provided by the cinematography.