Beijing (CNN Business) The Wall Street Journal's publisher confirmed Friday that Chinese authorities have declined to renew one of its reporters' press credentials, effectively expelling him from the country, following an investigative story he worked on about a cousin of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Beijing-based reporter Chun Han Wong was the co-author of a report published in the Journal last month that detailed alleged involvement of Xi's cousin in high-stakes gambling and potential money laundering in Australia.

When asked about Wong's effective expulsion, the Chinese government insisted that it handles foreign journalists' press credentials in accordance with law.

"We are firmly opposed to the malicious smearing and attacks against China by certain foreign journalists, who are not welcome in China," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement Friday. "At the same time, we will facilitate newsgathering work that complies with laws and regulations for foreign journalists in China."

The Journal reported Friday on Wong's removal from China, linking Beijing's decision to his story last month.

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