China does have potential. It has a lot of internal challenges and a small pool of players, but many of the clubs are putting in place grass roots programmes.
Gao Hongbo was the coach several years back and had a youth policy for the Nat team, but when CFA kowtowed to a major sponsor and brought in Comacho, all that good work was undone in under 2years.
Perrin has reintroduced younger players but surprisingly omitted arguably one of the most talented players (Zhang Xizhe) from the squad as well as some interesting choices in the starting line up.
Jury still out on Perrin, but the side is looking better these days and a result like this will do wonders for self belief.