Xi condemns IS for murder of Chinese man

China "strongly condemns" the ruthless murder of a Chinese man held hostage by the Islamic State extremist group, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in the Philippine capital of Manila.

"Terrorism is the common enemy of mankind," the president said. "China firmly opposes terrorism in any form and will firmly fight against any violent, terrorist criminal activities that challenge the baseline of human civilization."

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei confirmed in a statement on Thursday morning that Chinese citizen Fan Jinghui had been "kidnapped and cruelly killed" by the IS (the Islamic State)group, and said the government "will definitely hold the perpetrators accountable".

The IS group also announced that it had killed Norwegian hostage Ole Johan Grimsgaard-Ofstad. Both were reportedly held by IS since September.

On Thursday the United Nations Security Council condemned "in the strongest terms" the "heinous, cowardly" murders of Chinese, Norwegian citizens by the IS group.

Members of the Security Council underlined the need to "bring perpetrators of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice" and stressed that those responsible for the murders will be held accountable, according to a Security Council press statement.

The Council urged all states to cooperate actively with China, Norway and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, said on the same day that the statement reflects the consensus of members of the Security Council and UN members, and the firm resolve of the international community to work together against terrorism in all forms.

Liu said that the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism is the common enemy of mankind, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation - wherever, whenever and by whomsoever they are committed.

China strongly opposes all forms of terrorism and will continue to promote international cooperation against any terrorist crime that challenges the bottom line of human civilization, Liu said.

The two murders took place as China stepped up precautions nationwide against terrorism and extremism following last Friday's deadly Paris attacks, which claimed 129 lives and injured hundreds.

Premier Li Keqiang also strongly condemned the atrocity and asked relevant departments to assist Fan's family.

Li said the government "attaches great importance to the safety of Chinese nationals overseas, and will continue to enhance the security and protection of Chinese citizens and agencies abroad".

According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong, after the capture of Fan, the government immediately initiated an emergency response and no effort was spared in trying to secure his release.

However, the terrorist organization still carried out this coldblooded, violent action "with no regard for human conscience or morality", Hong said.

"China will continue to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation with the international community to safeguard world peace and tranquility," Hong added.

Dong Manyuan, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said that the remarks by Xi and Li showed their concern for the safety of citizens, and that China's diplomatic missions are taking steps to reinforce the fullest possible protection - including consular protection - for citizens and agencies abroad.

"China surely will better shoulder its anti-terror duties as a leading developing country and boost global cooperation on cracking down on terrorists, extremists and separatists," Dong said.

As part of Beijing's plans to boost security, State Councilor Guo Shengkun, also head of the major national anti-terrorism group and China's public security chief, underlined the need for the strict management of guns, explosives and mail.