Foreign ministry launches S. Korea-China youth friendship program

SEOUL, May 12 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry said Tuesday it has launched a new round of a friendship program for young South Koreans and Chinese aimed at fostering exchanges and goodwill between the two countries. Under the fourth Korea-China youth future friendship promotion group program, a total of 30 participants selected for this year will take part in various activities designed to deepen exchanges and promote mutual understanding, according to the ministry. "Relations between the two countries can grow deeper not only through official occasions, such as summit meetings, but also through sincere exchanges in the daily lives of young people," Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae said. "The program will help broaden mutual understanding and empathy for the future development of bilateral ties." In a congratulatory message, Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing said bilateral relations are entering "a new phase of development" and encouraging young people to play an active role in further advancing ties between the two countries. Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae (C, 2nd row) and Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing pose for a photo with participants during the launch ceremony for the fourth Korea-China Youth Future Friendship Promotion Group program in Seoul on May 12, 2026. (Yonhap) graceoh@yna.co.kr(END)