BEIJING (Reuters) - China sought to take the sting out of criticism of its toy exports on Thursday, wishing children around the world a safe Christmas playing with its toys.

More than 20 million toys made in China have been recalled worldwide over the past four months due to potentially dangerous levels of lead and hazards posed by small magnets.

U.S. safety officials recalled about 4.2 million Aqua Dots toys this month for possibly containing a "date rape" drug. Australia also banned the popular toy, sold there as "Bindeez", and Spain too announced a recall.

"China has made important efforts to improve the quality of its exported toys," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told a news conference in response to criticism from U.S. Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton.

"I believe Chinese products, including toys, will continue to be liked by consumers around the world ... I wish children around the world a safe and happy Christmas and I hope Chinese-made toys can bring them joy."

(Editing by Nick Macfie and Roger Crabb)