US media should tell 'full story of China'

BOAO, Hainan: A renowned US economist on Sunday blamed the structure of the media industry in the United States for the limited understanding of young Americans of the real China.

In an exclusive interview, John Rutledge, who has advised several US presidents, said it would be "a shame" if the disturbances around the Beijing Olympics hid the true value of the story of the growth in China.

"It is one of the best opportunities for people in Europe and the United States to learn more about China. I fear there are people taking that advantage to make news," he said on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan province.