China is demanding an apology from CNN for broadcasting malicious remarks. A commentator on the US news channel called the Chinese "goons" and labelled their products "junk."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu

"We're running hundred of billions of dollars worth of trade deficits with them, as we continue to import their junk with the lead paint on them and the poisoned pet food. I think they're basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they've been for the last 50 years."

Jack Cafferty made the comments earlier this month on CNN's political program, the Situation Room. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu says China is shocked at the slander and strongly condemns such an evil attack on the Chinese people.

Jiang Yu, spokeswoman of Foreign Ministry of China, said, "Cafferty used the microphone in his hand to slander China and the Chinese people, and seriously violated reporting ethics. His remarks reflected his arrogance, ignorance and hatred towards the Chinese people. Such remarks have sparked strong indignation among Chinese people at home and abroad, and will certainly incur condemnation by people who safeguard justice all around the world. We solemnly request CNN and Cafferty himself to take back his malicious remarks and apologize to all Chinese people."

Overseas Chinese in the United States have launched an online campaign for apology from CNN and Cafferty. The petition has approximately 8,000 names.

(CCTV April 17, 2008)