China came from behind to beat Chinese Taipei 7-2 in the men's ice hockey quarterfinals at the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games on Tuesday, setting up a clash with unbeaten force Kazakhstan in the semifinals.

The match began with Chinese Taipei taking an early lead when Chen Kuan-Ting scored at 6:23. However, China responded during a powerplay when Zhang Zesen found the back of the net.

Players of China celebrate scoring during the ice hockey men's play-offs quarterfinals match between China and Chinese Taipei at 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)

China became more aggressive in the second period, with Yan Juncheng and Zhang Pengfei scoring.

Despite a goal from Chinese Taipei, the third period belonged entirely to China, as it scored four goals to take control of the match.

China will next face Kazakhstan, who earlier overwhelmed Hong Kong, China 24-0.

"We will give it our all even though Kazakhstan has a powerful squad. We have to treat every match like a final," said China's captain Zhang Jiaqi.

Also on Tuesday, Japan defeated Thailand 15-2 to set up a semifinal clash with South Korea, who swept past Kyrgyzstan 20-0.

Women's Group A matches will take place on Wednesday, with China facing South Korea and Kazakhstan taking on Japan.