China revokes press credentials of three WSJ journalists: MFA
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China revoked the press cards of three Beijing-based Wall Street Journal journalists on Wednesday to protest its racially discriminatory language and malicious slander and attack on the country, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang.

On February 3, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published an opinion article written by Professor Walter Russell Mead of the Bard College. Its editor headlined the piece with a racially discriminatory and sensational title “China Is the Real Sick Man of Asia” which smeared the efforts of the Chinese government and people fighting the epidemic, according to Geng.

“The editors used such a racially discriminatory title, triggering indignation and condemnation among the Chinese people and the international community," said Geng.

China has demanded the WSJ recognize the severity of its mistake, make an official apology and hold the persons involved accountable. "We reserve the right to take further actions," he said.

Geng said the Chinese side handled affairs related to foreign journalists in accordance with laws and regulations.

"However, regrettably, what the WSJ has done so far is nothing but parrying and dodging its responsibility," he said, adding that it has neither issued an official apology nor informed the ministry of what it plans to do with the persons involved.

"Following international practices, China will continue to support and facilitate journalists' news coverage and reporting activities carried out in accordance with the law," he added.

(Compiled by Zhu Yurou and Chen Sihui)