Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

Asked to comment on South Korea's plan to offer visa exemption to Chinese group tourists in the third quarter, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday that China and South Korea are close neighbors, and that strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges is in the interest of both sides.

South Korea said on Thursday it would offer a visa exemption to Chinese visitors in the third quarter of the year to boost tourism amid sluggish domestic demand and ahead of an Asia-Pacific summit later this year, Reuters reported.

Global Times