The United States has confirmed that President Clinton is prepared to take part in a formal welcoming ceremony in Tiananmen Square in Beijing when he arrives on his state visit to China later this month.

The American ambassador to Beijing James Sasser said Mr Clinton would be pleased to observe normal Chinese diplomatic protocol.

Last week, the House of Representatives passed a resolution urging President Clinton not to take part in any ceremony in Tiananmen Square out of respect for those who were killed during the pro-democracy uprising in 1989.