JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – Few matchups in Asian basketball carry the weight and history of China versus Korea. Between them, these traditional powerhouses have a combined 18 FIBA Asia Cup titles and 34 podium finishes. China remain the winningest team in the tournament’s history with 16 gold medals, while Korea’s two championships are matched by decades of consistent contention.
China last ruled the continent in 2015, while Korea’s most recent title came in 1997, incidentally the last time Saudi Arabia hosted FIBA's flagship competition in Asia. Now they meet in the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, with the winners moving one step closer to reclaiming glory. China arrive unbeaten at 3-0 after topping Group C with wins over Saudi Arabia, Jordan and India. Korea, second in Group A, punched their ticket to the last eight with a solid victory over Guam in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals.
Key matchup: Hu Jinqiu vs Ha Yungi
China’s Hu Jinqiu has been their most consistent interior presence, averaging 14.7 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting a blistering 76.9 percent from the floor. Korea will look to counter with Ha Yungi, who is coming off his best outing in Jeddah. He put up 13 points, five rebounds, two steals and a block against Guam. If Ha can hold his ground and match Hu’s production, it could tilt the balance in Korea’s favor.
X-Factor: Under the basket play
In terms of size, China’s size is unmatched, with six players standing at least 200cm, including the tallest in the tournament at 221cm. And yet, they are dead last in rim protection, with zero blocks recorded through three games. That surprising weakness could be a green light for Korea to attack the paint with Ha, Moon JeongHyeon, Lee SeoungHyun, Kim JongKyu and even a fit Yeo JunSeok. In a matchup that will draw attention to the perimeter, the battle inside could prove decisive.
Stats don’t lie
Speaking of the perimeter, Korea have long been known for their outside shooting, and this tournament has been no different. Yu Kisang holds the single-game high for triples with eight against Lebanon, while Lee HyunJung knocked down seven in the same contest. That said, it’s China who lead the field in three-point accuracy at 43.8%. Both teams can certainly catch fire from deep, making this a potential shootout in Jeddah.
Previous Asia Cup meetings
Based on available records, China and Korea have met 15 times in official FIBA tournaments, with China holding a 5-2 advantage in FIBA Asia Cup play dating back to 1999. History favors the defending Group C winners, but Korea have never been a side to shy away from big moments, especially since they won their most recent meeting in 2022.
With a Semi-Finals berth at stake and decades of rivalry in the background, expect a game fueled by pride, precision and the pursuit of continental supremacy.
FIBA