BEIJING, Sept. 12 -- China on Friday urged the Philippines to protect its institutions and staff there after a foiled plot to bomb the Chinese embassy.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying urged the Philippine side to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and staff.

Hua told a daily press briefing that the Department of Consular Affairs has issued a travel alert to warn Chinese nationals not to go to the Philippines, and to warn Chinese citizens there to take precautions.

As for the report that a Chinese citizen was kidnapped in the Philippines, Hua said the nationality and identity of the people are yet to be confirmed.

Three military reservists were arrested on Sept. 1 for an attempted car bomb attack at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The suspects later admitted a plan to launch simultaneous attacks at other sites including the Chinese embassy and a property company which employs Chinese workers.