Wall Street Journal's decision to publish an article with a racist title to maliciously attack China violated professional ethics of a media organization, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang in an online press conference on Thursday.

Geng made the remarks after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that China's decision to revoke three Wall Street Journal correspondents' credentials has restricted freedom of speech, suggesting that the correct response is to "present counter arguments."

Geng refuted the claim, saying the article published by Wall Street Journal that smeared China with a racially discriminatory title "reflects the abandonment of basic facts and professional ethics."

"As a self-proclaimed champion of freedom of speech, does Mr. Pompeo believe such freedom entails publishing a racist, discriminatory and insulting article with no apologies whatsoever?" Geng said.

He then continued by raising a question to Pompeo, "if you think the WSJ has the right to insult others arbitrarily, do those got insulted have the right to fight back?"

Geng added that the Wall Street Journal's unprofessional action has angered the Chinese people and is condemned globally.

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'Racist-like remarks are not welcome,' China says as it revokes press cards of 3 WSJ journalists

On February 3, the Wall Street Journal carried a recent article by Walter Russell Mead who used the term "sick man" to describe China. The term triggered strong opposition from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and it decided to revoke the press credentials of three Wall Street Journal correspondents on Wednesday after receiving "neither official apology nor holding anyone accountable."

In Thursday's briefing, Geng reiterated the legitimacy of the decision, saying China deals with the affairs related to foreign journalists in accordance with law and regulations.

"Those media who blatantly insult China, pitch racial discrimination and maliciously smear China must pay their price," warned the spokesperson.