China is demanding an apology from CNN for insulting remarks made by one of its commentators.

In a program broadcast last week during the Olympic torch relay in San Francisco, commentator Jack Cafferty made a slew of racist and vitriolic remarks against the Chinese people, calling them "goons" and their products "junk."

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu said Cafferty has "gone against the conscience of a normal human being, which reflects his arrogance, ignorance and hostility."

"We are shocked at and strongly condemn the evil attack by the CNN anchor on the Chinese people. Cafferty used the microphone in his hand to slander China and the Chinese people, and seriously violated reporting ethics."

A leading U.S. immigrant organization mainly comprised of Chinese people has submitted an open letter to CNN, urging the network to take immediate action against Cafferty. An online petition for a public apology had garnered nearly 40,000 signatures by Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, the Spokesperson also urged the French side to consider and reflect upon opinions and sentiments expressed by some Chinese people on the internet.

Jiang made the remarks when asked to comment on Chinese netizens' call urging the public to boycott French goods following disruptions of the Olympic torch relay in Paris.

As for China-France ties, Jiang said it needs both sides' efforts to be friends. China cannot accept France promising to value China-France ties on the one hand, and witnessing occurrence of things "incomprehensible and unacceptable" for Chinese people on the other hand.

Jiang stressed that China attached great importance to the strategic cooperative partnership with France.