China has said it supports Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Thursday that China supports Duterte's campaign against illegal drug trade in the Philippines.

He stressed that the new Filipino regime under the leadership of Duterte has enacted policies that prioritize combating drug-related crimes.

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"China understands and supports Duterte's efforts to combat drug-related crimes," Geng said. "We stand ready to have anti-drug cooperation with the Philippines and formulate a common action plan for it."

Geng said that the Chinese government is also determined to crack down on illegal drug trade and drug-related crimes.

Philippine President Duterte on Wednesday reiterated his government's commitment to combat drug-related crimes comparing his anti-drug campaign with the Holocaust.

"Hitler massacred 3 million Jews. There are 3 million drug addicts. I'd be happy to slaughter them," he said.

In July, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against China in favor of the Philippines in a long-standing territorial dispute over island and reefs in the South China Sea.

China dismissed the verdict and described it "illegal" and "null and void." Beijing is laying claim to almost 80 percent of disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines, which calls disputed territory the West Philippines Sea, has repeatedly urged China to respect the ruling.

Philippine President Duterte is also planning to visit China in October to discuss the issue. Beijing has welcomed Duterte's planned state visit and said that Chinese officials are in touch with their Filipino counters to finalize the exact schedule of Duterte's first state visit to China.

Tagschina, Philippines, war on drugs, South China Sea, Rodrigo Duterte