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 Philippines' foreign ministry has summoned China's ambassador to Manila over Beijing's imposition of sanctions against former senator Francis Tolentino, the president's office said on Tuesday.

BEIJING (Reuters) -China has imposed sanctions on former Philippines Senator Francis Tolentino, the country's foreign ministry announced on Tuesday, citing "his egregious conduct on China-related issues", a day after his term officially ended. The Philippines embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.