China beat defending champion Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the group stage of the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Monday.

Mutellip Iminqari put China ahead in the 64th minute when he converted Afrden Asqer's cross from the left, before Xu Bin doubled the lead eight minutes later from the same position.

China did not manage an attempt on goal until the 44th minute and had less than 30 percent possession throughout the first half, with Saudi Arabia missing several chances to break the deadlock.

The Saudis' frustrations were compounded by two superb saves by China goalkeeper Li Hao in the 50th minute. After Li's heroics, China began to gain a foothold in the game, greatly boosted by substitute Mutellip, who also assisted Xu's goal.

China is now second in Group D behind Japan and will face Kyrgyzstan on Thursday.