China has condemned the Islamic State (IS) group for killing a Chinese national, promising a crackdown on terrorism.
"Terrorism is the common enemy of human beings," Chinese President Xi Jinping said in Manila on Thursday, after the Chinese Foreign Ministry had confirmed the death of a man named as Fan Jinghui, who had been held by IS.
On the sidelines of the 23rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in the capital city of the Philippines, Xi expressed his deep sympathy for the victim's family.
He said China "firmly opposes terrorism of all forms" and "will resolutely crack down on any terrorist crime that challenges the bottom line of human civilization."
Earlier in the day, the Foreign Ministry said the murderers "must be brought to justice."
In Beijing, Premier Li Keqiang said China will strengthen protection of its citizens and institutions overseas.
Li urged government departments to help Fan's family after his murder.
The Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety of its citizens overseas, the premier said, vowing continued efforts to safeguard their security.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said that the Chinese government had gone to great lengths to try to rescue Fan after they learned of the kidnapping.
In September, IS said it had captured a Chinese hostage and a Norwegian hostage, identified by the organization's English-language magazine "Dabiq" as Fan Jinghui and Ole Johan Grimsgaard-Ofstad.
Hong also condemned IS for killing the Norwegian man.
"China will continue to enhance anti-terrorism cooperation with the international community and maintain world peace and tranquility," he said.
The spokesperson also warned against "double standards" in international discussion of terrorism.
