China on Thursday urged the US news network CNN to take back one of its commentator's insulting remarks about the Chinese, and to sincerely apologize.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said at a press briefing that "The statement issued by CNN on Tuesday not only failed to sincerely apologize for commentator Jack Cafferty's remarks, but also spearheaded its attack on the Chinese government, attempting to incite the Chinese people against the government," Jiang said.

She added China could never accept that, referring to CNN's statement.

Jiang said Cafferty's remarks not only insulted the Chinese people, but also defied the conscience and justice of humankind.

The Chinese people cannot be bullied and humiliated, she said. "We once again solemnly urge CNN to seriously deal with the matter, take back the vile remarks and make a sincere apology to all Chinese people", she said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry lodged a solemn representation Wednesday with the CNN Beijing office, condemning the network as being "without any professional reputation".

Cafferty said in a TV show on April 9 that Chinese products were "junk" and the Chinese people were "basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they've been for the last 50 years".

Cafferty's remarks drew indignation from Chinese at home and abroad. CNN then issued a statement on Tuesday saying "it was not Mr. Cafferty's nor CNN's intent to cause offence to the Chinese people, and CNN would apologise to anyone who has interpreted the comments in this way".

However, the network stated that Cafferty was offering his "strongly held" opinion of the Chinese government, not China's people.

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2008)