BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- China will face South Korea on Friday in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian qualifiers, marking its first step in the new World Cup cycle.

At a news conference Wednesday, Yang Yang, vice president of the Chinese Basketball Association, said the team is transitioning from domestic to international competition.

"Chinese basketball players just concluded their journey at China's National Games and have been dedicated to preparing for the qualifiers," Yang said. "Under the coaching staff's direction, the team is striving to make this transition."

Yang emphasized the importance of the qualifying tournament, which offers a path to both the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

"The qualifiers represent a new start for Team China," he said. "The match against South Korea will be filled with challenges. I hope Chinese players can perform their best at home."

The game will be held at Wukesong Arena, a dual-Olympic venue that hosted basketball at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and ice hockey at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games.

"Wukesong embodies the glory and profound history of Chinese basketball," said Zhang Zhaohui, a senior official with the Beijing Sports Bureau. "Beijing was well recognized by the international community for its organizing work. These qualifiers present another opportunity to accelerate the development of basketball in Beijing."

Sixteen teams have been divided into four groups for the Asian qualifiers. China was drawn into Group B alongside Japan, South Korea and Chinese Taipei. The top three teams from each group will advance to the second round. Enditem