Australian tycoon Clive Palmer sent a letter of apology to China's ambassador to Australia after he drew widespread ire by calling Chinese government officials "mongrels" in a televised show.

In the letter of apology, Palmer said he was sorry for any "insult" that his comments caused to the Chinese citizens. He added that they want to preserve the strong relations between Australia and China, BBC News relayed.

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Palmer, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP), belongs to a party called the Palmer United Party that dominates in the Senate. Since Prime Minister Tony Abbott does not hold majority in the upper chamber, he must depend on the support he gets from independent members and minority party senators to pass a law.

The Chinese embassy released a statement acknowledging that Palmer's statements did not represent the opinion of Australia, its government and its people. However, China warned against insulting its people and said any verbal attack or slander aimed at China would be "doomed to failure."

The Australian mining tycoon made the controversial comments during an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation last week. He said China should "shoot their own people" and went as far as suggesting the Asian country wanted to "take over" Australia.

Palmer clarified that the remarks he made were about a Chinese firm with which he is involved in a legal spat.

Meanwhile, Palmer drew more criticism from some Australian cabinet ministers who said the billionaire should not act in a "simplistic and counterproductive" manner if he is aiming to become influential in Australia.

Chinese state-run media firm Global Times also spoke out against Palmer's comments, saying the MP's "rampant rascality" showed that Australia has an unfriendly attitude toward their country.

In his letter of apology, Palmer conveyed his regret for saying the hurtful words about China and said he looked forward to a peaceful relationship with the Asian nation in the future.

TagsClive Palmer, Australia, BBC News, Palmer United Party, Member of Parliament, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Tony Abbott