After this background report, former U.S. diplomats to China discuss President Clinton's options when he visits Tiananmen Square.

KWAME HOLMAN: In the highlight of his second day in China President Clinton viewed the famed Terra Cotta warriors. The 7,000-strong army of statues was built to defend the tomb of an ancient emperor near the City of Xian.

The President then met residents of a nearby village and discussed upcoming village-level elections.

The President's day was clouded, however, by reports of Chinese Government action against political dissidents. In the very city the President was touring Chinese police had just arrested four local activists. One was seen here being detained by a member of the Secret Police after trying to talk to an American reporter. President Clinton asked U.S. Ambassador Jim Sasser to protest the detention.

JIM SASSER: I personally indicated to them that we think it's unwise at this time or any time, really, to be arresting those who might disagree with them politically.

KWAME HOLMAN: National Security Adviser Sandy Berger was even more emphatic.

SANDY BERGER: I think China's human rights record is terrible. I think China is an authoritarian nation.

KWAME HOLMAN: Late this afternoon in Xian the Chinese Government released two of the four dissidents. As the President was completing his tour, two of his valets who are Filipino-Americans also were detained briefly by Chinese soldiers as the two tried to board Air Force One with the President's luggage. White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry said Secret Service agents reported the valets were stopped and singled out only for reasons of ethnicity. McCurry said police may have thought the men were Chinese, trying to leave the country improperly. The President and Mrs. Clinton arrived in Beijing Friday. The formal summit begins Saturday morning, when Mr. Clinton will be received at the Great Hall of the People next to Tiananmen Square.