China's ambassador to Manila was summoned after Beijing imposed sanctions on a former Filipino senator who has been critical of China's aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea, Philippine officials said Tuesday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to formally express its concern over Beijing’s move to sanction former senator Francis Tolentino, Malacañang said yesterday.

Former senator Francis Tolentino on Tuesday said he supports the DFA decision to summon the Chinese envoy to explain the sanctions imposed on him by the Chinese government.