Murder of hostages steels will to fight IS

The murder of a Chinese national, along with a Norwegian citizen, by the Islamic State group is the latest atrocity committed by the terrorists. It should be condemned by all and further strengthen the shared will to eliminate terrorism.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his deep sympathy to the victim's family, pledging that China will resolutely crack down on any terrorist crime that challenges the bottom line of human civilization.

Taking hostages and seeking ransoms from their governments are a means of financing for the extremists. When their demands are not met, they count on the open display of violence in killing the hostages to draw more support from other extremists around the world and also create horror and panic among others.