BEIJING, Sept. 15 -- China on Monday voiced serious concern over violence against its citizens in the Philippines, and urged the country to solve the kidnapping of a Chinese citizen and arrest those responsible.

"The Chinese embassy in the Philippines has demanded the Philippine government solve the case, arrest the criminals, and ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and staff there," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a daily press briefing.

A 18-year-old Chinese businessman was kidnapped in southern Philippine province of Zamboanga Sibugay on Sept. 11. Another Chinese citizen received gunshot wounds in Mecauayan in the northern Philippine province of Bulacan on Saturday.

China has warned its citizens not to travel to the Philippines and reminded Chinese citizens there to take precautions.