China announce preliminary 30-man Asian Cup squad

The roll includes most of the Europe-based stars like Manchester United forward Dong Fangzhuo, former Chalton midfielder Zheng Zhi, Sheffield United's Li Tie, Cottbus playmaker Shao Jiayi, Manchester City's Sun Jihai and Sun Xiang, who played for PSV Einhoven last season.
"I have chosen the strongest squad at hands. The aim of advancing to at least the last four has not changed," said Zhu.

"You may notice more players from southern cities are in the list. Because we have to find players who can get used to the sultry southeast Asia climate much easier."

Veteran striker Li Jinyu and former captain Zhao Junzhe are not enlisted due to their bad form. Major players like Xu Yunlong and Du Zhenyu are put into the last seven (The roster is made in "23+7" mode) for their injury.

Four Ratomir Dujkovic's Under-23 Olympic team players are on the roster. Nevertheless the creative midfielder Chen Tao, who showed shinning form in the Toulon Cup are missing from the list.

The Chinese team will regather in Beijing later in June, before heading for Hong Kong to have the last two warm-ups. On July 1, China will challenge the World Stars team, and on July 4 they will meet an Australian club.

China are seated in Group C with Iran, Uzbekistan and co-hosts Malaysia. They will start their campaign against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpar on July 10.

China's 30-men Preliminary Squad:

Forwards: Han Peng, Dong Fangzhuo, Zhu Ting, Qu Bo, Wang Peng, Midfielders: Shao Jiayi, Li Tie, Zheng Zhi, Zhao Xuri, Wang Dong, Zhou Haibin, Zheng Bin, Mao Jianqing, Li Yan, Du Zhenyu, Tao Wei

Defenders: Du Wei, Sun Xiang, Zhang Yaokun, Li Weifeng, Sun Jihai, Zhang Shuai, Ji Mingyi, Cao Yang, Xin Feng, Xu Yunlong

Goalkeepers: Li Leilei, Yang Jun, Chen Dong, Zong Lei