In their first proper foray forward in the 13th minute, China earned a corner kick which almost resulted in the opening goal when a low cross found Jiang Shenglong in the centre of the box, only for the Chinese defender to shoot wide.

Another opportunity fell China's way in the 21st minute after Wu Lei was played through and his first touch took him past Thai custodian Patimwat Khammai but the Bangkok United player recovered quickly to push the ball away.

From the ensuing corner kick, Thailand broke with a counter attack that first saw Phala testing Yan Junling, with the War Elephants winning the rebound which allowed Sarach to lash home the opener in the 23rd minute.

But the Thais could only hold on to their lead for six minutes as Wu Lei made full use of Wei Shihao's accurate pass to put the ball into the bottom corner beyond Patimwat for China to draw level.

Thailand exerted the early pressure in the second period and could have regained their lead 13 minutes into the half but Sarach's powerful header was tipped over the bar by Yan, after some good work from Chanathip down the left.

As heavy rain began to pour down on the Rajamangala Stadium, China started creating chances with Zhu Chenjie bursting forward to force Patimwat to make a low save to his right midway through the second half.

China found the winner with 16 minutes left on the clock when Xie Pengfei won possession inside Thailand's box and chipped to the far post for Wang to head home.

China will next host Group C favourites Korea Republic in Shenzhen on Tuesday with Thailand traveling to face Singapore.