China "strongly condemns" the ruthless murder of a Chinese man held hostage by the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.

President Xi Jinping addresses the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit. [Photo by Li Xueren/Xinhua]

Xi condemned the atrocity in a speech when attending the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in the Philippine capital Manila.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei confirmed in a statement on Thursday that Fan Jinghui had been murdered by the IS.

"Terrorism is the common enemy of mankind. China firmly opposes terrorism in any form and firmly fights against any violent, terrorist criminal activities that challenge the bottom line of human civilization," Xi said.

The group also announced that it had killed Norwegian hostage Ole Johan Grimsgaard-Ofstad.

After the capture of Fan, the Chinese government and people were deeply concerned for his wellbeing, and the Chinese government immediately initiated an emergency response and no efforts were spared in trying to secure his release, Hong said.

However, the terrorist group disregarded human consciousness, and resorted to inhumane, violent behavior, Hong said.

"The Chinese government strongly condemns the atrocity and will bring the criminals to justice," Hong said.

The spokesman said terrorism is the common enemy of mankind and the Chinese government firmly opposes terrorism in any form and will firmly fight against violent, terrorist criminal activities that challenge the bottom line of human civilization.

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