(Source: CGTN)

Reports say Beijing tour operators being ordered to stop selling trips to South Korea, prompting fears that China was retaliating against the deployment of the U.S. missile defence system to South Korea. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said both countries need to cooperate to eliminate groundless accusations and suspicion.

"China holds an active and open attitude towards the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, but such exchanges and cooperation require public support and a relevant media environment. We have mentioned this many times. And, I want to point out that rather than making groundless accusations, or unnecessary suspicions, it would be better to listen to the people and take effective measures, to prevent further damage to China-ROK relations, as well as the communication and cooperation between the two countries," he said.