It took just three minutes of action at the Mumbai Football Arena for China to notch the first goal of the tournament, with Wang Shuang converting a penalty after Zhang Linyan was fouled by Pan Yen-Hsin.

Wang Shanshan put China in control six minutes later with a header that found the net via a post.

The team who finished third at the last two editions of the Women's Asian Cup boasted 78 per cent possession in the first half, but it took until the 54^th minute for Zhang Xin to add to their lead, with Wang Shuang completing the scoring in the 68^th minute.

In the day's other match in Group A at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India were held by Women's Asian Cup debutants Iran.

India's preparations were hampered by two players testing positive for COVID-19 on the eve of the tournament.

They had the better chances, but were unable to find the breakthrough, with Iranian goalkeeper Zohreh Koudaei making a remarkable save 13 minutes from time to deny Dangmei Grace.

The Women's Asian Cup is set to continue tomorrow, with back-to-back champions Japan taking on Myanmar at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune in Group C.

Australia, winners in 2010 and runners-up in 2014 and 2018, are due to start their Group B campaign against Indonesia in Mumbai, followed by Thailand against the Philippines in Navi Mumbai.

The final match of the day features South Korea against Vietnam in Pune in Group C.