A PANEL of top American experts on Asia has issued a report making clear that the Clinton administration must prepare for a comprehensive dialogue with China on human rights and other sensitive issues to head off a confrontation with Beijing.
One panel member, Mr Harry Harding, of the Brookings Institution, said United States President Mr Bill Clinton should take into account China's treatment of Hongkong in devising his overall China policy.
The report, issued by the San Francisco-based Asia Foundation, warned of an early test in US relations with Beijing under Mr Clinton, but made clear it was not in America's interest to isolate China.
''It is vital the Clinton administration prepare for comprehensive dialogue with China on issues ranging from human rights, trade, arms transfer and regional security,'' the report, America's role in Asia, said.
But the experts stressed it would be ''unwise'' to take immediate action on one aspect of the relationship while the new administration reviews its China policy.
Panel members who released the report at a seminar were asked why it did not dwell on the current row between Britain and China over political reforms in Hongkong - an issue that has aroused concern among US policy-makers.