Goals from the prolific Li Ying, Wang Shanshan and Song Duan helped seal the comprehensive victory, one which will undoubtedly offer Siggi Eyjolfsson’s charges a degree of recompense following their failure to reach the final.

For Thailand, meanwhile, the defeat brought an end to the Southeast Asians’ impressive continental outing as they bowed out of the tournament with their heads held high and reputation unquestionably enhanced.

China had never lost to Thailand in 13 previous meetings, and it was the East Asians who looked the brighter of the two teams early on with a fierce Gu Yasha drive forcing goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing into a smart save.

Thailand responded through a dipping Nipawan Panyosuk shot which custodian Peng Shimeng did well to tip over, before Song came close to giving China the lead courtesy of a superb volley that flashed narrowly wide of Waraporn’s left-hand post on 15 minutes.

With China continuing to press, influential midfielder Wang Shuang saw her 36th minute strike from 12 yards comfortably gathered by Waraporn and, in the final genuine chance of the half, tournament leading scorer Li Ying’s scuffed effort from close-range was once again held by the impressive Waraporn.

The breakthrough duly came six minutes after the restart, Li Danyang’s astute pass finding Li Ying who turned and unleashed a terrific shot that nestled into the corner of the net to register her seventh goal of the competition.

Worse was to come for Thailand however, as first Wang Shanshan reacted quickest to turn the ball home after Waraporn had parried Ren Guixin’s initial effort, and then Song made it 3-0 from 25 yards following hesitation in the Thai defence with an hour played.

Thailand briefly threatened to stage a stirring comeback when Rattikan Thongsombut netted from close range on 81 minutes after Silawan Intamee’s shot had ricocheted back off both uprights.

It was not to be though for Nuengrutai Srathongivan’s side, as China resolutely held on to confirm the win and leave Jordan as the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018’s third-placed team.