( CNN ) -- Outspoken Australian billionaire tycoon and politician Clive Palmer has apologized for his verbal attack on China during a television interview last week , when he called Chinese people `` mongrels '' who `` shoot their own people . '' The leader of the Palmer United Party was appearing on Australian television channel ABC when he was asked about the Chinese state-owned company he is locked in a dispute with . They 're `` bastards , '' he said . `` I 'm saying that because they 're Communist , because they shoot their own people , they have n't got a justice system and they want to take over this country [ Australia ] . '' He later clarified that his comments were meant for the company rather than the Chinese people or their government -- though Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Qin Gang was unimpressed and described Palmer 's words as `` totally irrational and absurd . '' Apology . Then in a letter to China 's ambassador to Australia Monday , Palmer apologized for his remarks . `` I regret any hurt or anguish such comments may have caused any party and I look forward to greater understanding for peace and cooperation in future , '' he wrote . `` I now come to the realization that what I said on Q & A was an insult to Chinese people everywhere and I wish to assure them they have my most genuine and sincere apology . '' He then went on to emphasize his links with China , before referencing Mao Zedong , China 's late paramount leader . `` I have had a long involvement with China since first visiting the country in 1962 . As Chairman Mao said in Nanjing when celebrating the 45th anniversary of the 1911 Revolution , words to the effect that over 45 years have passed since the 1911 Revolution and China had only sought friendly relations with its neighbors . `` He went on to say that another 45 years would pass and China would continue to seek good relations with its relations and China has . It is in the interest of the whole world that Australia and China have good relations . '' In response , China 's ambassador to Australia , Ma Zhaoxu , said any remarks that attacked or slandered China would not gain popular support and were doomed to fail , the state-run Xinhua news agency reported Tuesday . `` The healthy and stable relationship between China and Australia is in the fundamental interests of the people of the two countries , and can not be hindered by any individual , '' he said .
Clive Palmer called Chinese people `` mongrels '' during an interview on Australian television . He said his words were aimed at the Chinese company he is in dispute with and not Chinese people . In a letter to China 's Australian ambassador he said he regretted `` any hurt or anguish '' caused .