Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi slammed a Canadian journalist Wednesday after the reporter raised issues regarding human rights concerns, the country's expanding territorial claims, and the case of a Canadian man held in prison for allegedly spying and stealing Chinese state secrets.

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Canadian journalists were given the chance to ask the Chinese foreign minister one question with another follow up question. But it seems China's top diplomat did not like the question raised by a reporter from website iPolitics asked calling her question "full of prejudice against China."

"Please don't ask questions in such an irresponsible manner," the minister said through a translator. "I don't know where that comes from. This is totally unacceptable."

"Your question is full of prejudice and against China and arrogance ... I don't know where that comes from. This is totally unacceptable," Wang continued.

Wang continued in telling the reporter that "more than 600 million people [are already] out of poverty" and that it has is now become "the second largest economy in the world, (built up) from a very low foundation," things that could have been impossible for China had it not implemented the "protection of human rights. "  

The Chinese foreign minister then directed his question to Canadian foreign minister Stephan Dion:

"There are no shortage of concerns about China's treatment of human rights advocates, such as the Hong Kong book sellers, the detention of the Garratts, not to mention the destabilizing effects of its territorial ambitions in the South China Sea. Given these concerns, why is Canada persuing closer ties with China, how do you plan to use that relationship to improve human rights and security in the region, and did you specifically raise the case of the Garratts during your discussions with the foreign minister today?"

Dion then answered Wang, telling him that the Liberal government will "sway" China to boost its human rights conditions and help ensure peace and security in the region through closer engagement and not by cutting its ties off with Asia's biggest economy. 

"We want to see universal human rights be more respected around the world, so we need to participate with the world. You cannot miss a sixth of humanity. The relationship between Canada and China is key, including for human rights," Dion explained.

Wang's clash with the press comes at a delicate period when Canada aims to tap the country to improve its sluggish economy.

"These discussions are central to a healthy relationship," Dion underscored.

TagsWang Yi, Stephan Dion