BEIJING - China is "deeply concerned" about Chinese businessmen affected by a crackdown on crime in Spain, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Friday.

He made the remarks at a daily news briefing when asked to comment on a Spanish police campaign called "Operation Emperor," which started in mid-October and has reportedly led to the arrest of some Chinese.

China respects the judicial independence of Spain and understands its need to fight crime, Hong said.

However, the spokesman added, it must be recognized that most Chinese in Spain conduct business legally, try hard to integrate themselves into the local community and have made positive contribution to the economic and social development of the country.

"We hope Spain can take effective measures as soon as possible to protect the legal rights of overseas Chinese in the country and maintain the friendly cooperative ties between China and Spain," he added.