China warns US over Pompeo’s threat to expel Chinese reporters

China’s foreign ministry said it had summoned a US embassy representative to complain to US secretary of state Mike Pompeo over his condemnation of Beijing’s move to expel three Wall Street journalists.
Earlier this month, China’s government revoked the press credentials of three Wall Street Journal reporters, after it said the Journal refused to apologize for a “racially discriminatory” op-ed that questioned China’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
The move is seen as Beijing’s retaliation to the US, which has recently designated five Chinese state media organizations as foreign missions, amid propaganda concerns.
Speaking of the journalists’ expulsion, Pompeo said that “the correct response is to present counter arguments, not restrict speech”.
”The United States hopes that the Chinese people will enjoy the same access to accurate information and freedom of speech that Americans enjoy”, he added.
“The Chinese government has always adhered to an open, transparent and highly responsible attitude in the prevention and control of epidemics. The Wall Street Journal’s insulting headline against China is not about freedom of speech and the press at all. Anyone with a conscience should resolutely oppose and resist such racist wrong words and deeds”, China’s foreign affairs spokesperson, said on Wednesday.