SHENZHEN (China) - No rivalry in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup is older, deeper, or more enduring than China vs. Korea.
They’ve faced off 36 times, meeting at least once in every Women’s Asia Cup since 1976. For nearly five decades, this has been the gold standard of Asian women’s basketball. And that tradition continues in 2025, as China and Korea are set to meet once again in the Group Phase of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
The numbers don’t lie - but the history tells more
China holds the edge, just barely, with 20 wins to Korea’s 16. They’ve also won the last six meetings, including a 2023 title run that reasserted their dominance.
But this isn’t a one-sided rivalry. It’s a pendulum that’s swung back and forth across generations.Korea ruled early, capturing four straight titles from 1978 to 1984 - all while China had to settle for silver. From 1992 to 1996, they met in three consecutive Finals. Then came another four straight Finals matchups from 2005 to 2011. China won three of those; Korea stole the one that mattered most to them - the 2007 title, their last to date.
Today, both programs sit atop the medals table with 12 golds each, along with three bronzes apiece. Korea has two more silvers, but China has won three titles since Korea last reached the top of the podium.
2011: The classic Final
Their most recent Final meeting in 2011 was a classic - the kind that defines rivalries.
China led by six at halftime. Korea surged back to take a two-point lead heading into the fourth. It went down to the wire, but China pulled away just enough to win 65–62. Miao Lijie was unstoppable with 20 points, and Nan Chen added 17 points and 10 boards.
For Korea, rising star Kim Danbi showed her promise at just 21, while veteran Sin Jung Ja nearly willed them to victory with a 15-point, 16-rebound, 5-assist performance. It wasn’t enough - but it was unforgettable.
China and Korea have seen each other at their peaks, their rebuilds, and their heartbreaks. They’ve taken turns being queens of the court. When they meet again in the 2025 Group Phase, the rivalry will continue - as it always has.
FIBA