China’s appointment of former international Shao Jiayi as the national coach has been welcomed at home and abroad.

Shao, aged 45, played at the 2002 World Cup — China’s only appearance at the tournament — and is considered one of the nation’s most successful exports after spending nine years in Germany.

As a coach, Shao previously served as an assistant with the national side and took over Qingdao West Coast in 2024. The club is ninth in the Chinese Super League.

“I support the decision,” former China international Mao Jianqing said. “Shao Jiayi is capable, and his personality and other aspects are suitable. The national team can’t be changed by one coach immediately, it takes time.”

China has been without a permanent coach since June when Branko Ivankovic of Croatia departed following

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