China’s foreign minister lashed out at a Canadian journalist Wednesday for raising the issue of human rights, the country’s expanding territorial claims, and the case of a Canadian man held in prison for allegedly spying and stealing Chinese state secrets.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi appeared visibly angry as he scolded a journalist from the web outlet iPolitics during a press conference in Ottawa, calling her question “full of prejudice against China.”

“Please don’t ask questions in such an irresponsible manner,” he said through a translator. “I don’t know where that comes from. This is totally unacceptable.”

The question of why Canada is pursuing stronger trade ties with China despite its questionable record on human rights was addressed to Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion. Wang skipped past a question from China’s state broadcaster to berate the Canadian reporter.

“I have to ask whether you understand China. Have you been to China? Do you know that China has lifted more than 600 million people out of poverty? Do you know that China is now the second largest economy in the world, (built up) from a very low foundation? Do you think development is possible for China without the protection of human rights?” he said.

Here is the question in full, which was directed at 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 affects 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 responded to the question by saying that Ottawa plans to sway China to improve human rights conditions and stabilize security in the region through closer engagement, rather than cutting off ties.

“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,” he said.

China indicted Canadian citizen Kevin Garratt on espionage charges in January. He and his wife Julia were detained in August 2014 near China's sensitive border with North Korea. Julia was released on bail in February 2015. Accusations against the couple came about a week after Canada blamed Chinese hackers for a breach at the National Research Council.

"The case ... of Mr. Garratt has been raised by the prime minister and by myself. We never miss an opportunity to raise human rights, but the details should not be revealed publically for the sake of Mr. Garrett. The two governments will have to work together," said Dion.

Wang’s clash with the press comes at a critical time for Canada’s relationship with China. Unlike the previous Conservative government, whose relationship was soured by cyber espionage accusations and a protectionist stance on Chinese investment in Canada’s energy sector, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is eager to tap the country’s potential to revive the sluggish Canadian economy.

China, with its fast moving economy, is the biggest energy consumer in the world, the number one importer of crude oil, and the top user of commodities like coal, iron, and copper.

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