The Philippines' foreign ministry has summoned China's ambassador after Beijing imposed sanctions on a former Filipino senator who has been critical of China’s actions in the disputed South China Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to formally express the Philippine government's concern over Beijing’s decision to sanction former senator Francis Tolentino.

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.