"It is highly inappropriate for Korean casinos to conduct targeted marketing and recruitment specifically toward foreign nationals, especially Chinese people," the article said, warning that such practices are entirely detrimental to bilateral people-to-people exchanges and offers no benefits whatsoever.

　　The embassy also said the two governments have maintained close cooperation in cracking down on cross-border gambling, adding that the gambling industry "does not belong to the category of sound and constructive people-to-people exchanges."

　　Citing recent incidents involving Chinese citizens at South Korean casinos, the article said some Chinese students in South Korea had died by suicide after accumulating heavy gambling debts, describing such cases as "deeply distressing."

　　It said these gambling-related tragedies not only seriously violate the legitimate rights and interests, personal safety and property security of Chinese citizens, but also severely disrupt the order of South Korea"s tourism market and damage the country"s international image.

　　China and South Korea are important close neighbors. The visa facilitation measures introduced by both countries to promote personnel exchanges and boost economic development through tourism serve the fundamental interests of both sides and help enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, the article noted.

　　"However, seeking to profit from foreign tourists through the gambling industry is not only a harmful and short-sighted approach, but also gradually erodes the friendly feelings between the peoples of the two countries."

　　China will strengthen education for outbound Chinese tourists, guiding them to exercise self-discipline and avoid crossing the legal red line by engaging in gambling, the embassy states.