HONG KONG - China coach Zhu Guanghu was confident of reaching the Asian Cup knock-out stages after an intensive training programme yielded a fluent victory.

China coach Zhu Guanghu, seen here, was confident of reaching the Asian Cup knock-out stages after an intensive training programme yielded a fluent victory. [File]

Spectacular long-range strikes by Zhao Xuri and Shao Jiayi against FIFA World Stars lifted Chinese gloom after a prolonged slump which has left them as outsiders for their first regional title.

China have been "going crazy" in training as they approach a tough Group C including Iran, Uzbekistan and Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Zhu said earlier.

"The team got together on June 22, since then we've been practising together. So far I feel that I'm pretty happy with the progress and I think we will be ready for the Asian Cup when we fly to Malaysia on July 5," said Zhu.

"We always train with a specific programme and these two goals are obviously very good.

"Every team in our group has a chance but I'm confident of getting through."

China played half the match with players from Hong Kong, symbolising unity on the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

Zhu said he was still undecided on his first-choice team with some of his players carrying knocks or lacking match fitness.

"At the moment I have it in mind but not definitely. Some players are injured and some haven't played much," he said.

"I feel that the team have done what I wanted them to do. I'm generally happy to have this opportunity to have this match."

China play their final warm-up against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday before facing Malaysia on July 10.