Beijing announced its decision on Tuesday to impose sanctions against former Philippine senator Francis Tolentino.

The sanctions were imposed for "his egregious conduct on China-related issues" and prohibited him from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a brief statement.

"For quite some time, driven by selfish interests, a handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines have made malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China that are detrimental to China’s interests and China-Philippines relations," according to the statement.

The Chinese government is firmly resolved to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests, the spokesperson said.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn