China firmly opposes certain individuals in the Philippines maliciously hyping up China-related issues and undermining bilateral relations, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday.

Mao was responding to a question about the Philippine Foreign Ministry's announcement that it had summoned the Chinese ambassador over remarks last week concerning a potential conflict between the two countries, and calls by several Philippine senators for the ambassador's expulsion.

Improving and developing China-Philippines relations serves the common interests of both countries, Mao said.

She urged the Philippine side to take effective steps to rein in irresponsible statements and actions by individual politicians.