Media organizations that blatantly insult China, pitch racial discrimination and maliciously smear China must pay the price, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Thursday.

The remark came after China revoked the press cards of three Beijing-based journalists of The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday for the news organization's use of racially discriminatory language and malicious slander and attack on the country in an article.

"As we speak, the Journal still hasn't realized the severity of its mistake. It has neither made an official apology publicly nor held anyone accountable," Geng said at the ministry's online news conference.

ALSO READ: China revokes press cards of 3 WSJ journalists in Beijing

On Feb 3,  the newspaper published an article that discredits the Chinese government  and people’s efforts to fight the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic using the headline “China Is the Real Sick Man of Asia”. Geng said China has repeatedly lodged stern  representations with the newspaper.

“However, regrettably, what the WSJ has done so far is nothing but fudging the issue and dodging its responsibility,” Geng said, adding that China reserves the right to take further  measures. He said China deals with foreign journalists in accordance with law and regulations.

READ MORE: US writer's post backing China's efforts draws global attention

At Thursday’s news conference, Geng also refuted the comment made by United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about the newspaper, saying that it is not an issue of freedom of speech as Pompeo claimed.

Geng said the newspaper published an article that smeared China with a racially discriminatory headline reflecting the abandonment of basic facts and professional ethics. It has triggered huge indignation and condemnation from China and the larger international  community, Geng added.

READ MORE: Washington's egoistic double standard on human rights

“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?” he said. “I want to ask Mr Pompeo this question: If  you think the WSJ has the right to insult others arbitrarily, do those insulted have the right to fight back?” 

On Wednesday, Geng said China will continue to follow international practices to support  and  facilitate journalists’ news coverage and reporting carried out in accordance with law.