Jaycee Chan, son of Chinese kung fu superstar Jackie Chan, has pleaded guilty to drug charges at the Dongcheng District People's Court in Beijing today. [Photo/Sina Weibo]

Celebrities have been a major linchpin in the government's campaign to get tough on drugs. Jaycee Chan is among a string of other mostly B-list celebrities detained last year by Chinese authorities on drug-related charges that have been publicised widely in both state and social media. They have included movie and television stars, film directors and a prominent screenwriter.

The court's microblog showed Chan in court, dressed in a black sweater and blue trousers.

Illegal drugs, especially synthetic substances like methamphetamine, ketamine and ecstasy, have grown in popularity in China in tandem with the rise of a new urban class with greater disposable income.

Last month, state media reported that Jackie Chan felt ashamed of his son's drug abuse and hopes that one day he will speak out about the dangers of taking drugs.

The older Chan had served as a goodwill spokesman for the China National Anti-Drug Committee in 2009, promoting anti-drug education.

Last year, a Chinese court jailed singer Li Daimo for nine months on a drug charge, according to Chinese media reports.