HO CHI MINH CITY, April 18: Defending champions China were pitted alongside fellow heavyweights North Korea but avoided Japan and Australia when the draw was made here on Friday for the Women’s Asian Cup finals.

China, the top seed and eight-time champions, also have Thailand and Vietnam in their group for the tournament to be played in Ho Chi Minh City from May 31-June 8.

Japan, who defeated China, North Korea and South Korea, to clinch the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) Championship title this year, could pose a serious threat to second-seeded Australia in their group.

Joining them are South Korea and Taiwan.

The Chinese have been the indomitable force in the Asian women’s game, winning seven titles at a stretch from 1986 to 1999, before North Korea established themselves as the team to beat for the following two years.

China reclaimed their position at the top two years ago in a final in Adelaide against Australia that went to penalties before it was settled 4-2 in their favour.

Next month’s tournament will be an useful Olympics warm-up for Asian qualifiers China, Japan and North Korea.

Group A - China, North Korea, Thailand, Vietnam

Group B - Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan.—AFP