The 2-0 win in Hangzhou, combined with last Thursday's 5-1 victory over Indonesia in Sydney, put the Socceroos in the driving seat in the race for second place in Group C and the automatic spot at the 2026 finals that goes with it.
They hold a three-point buffer over third-placed Saudi Arabia going into their penultimate qualifier in Perth on June 5 against Japan, who have already locked up top spot in the group and booked their ticket to North America.
"I think the main point for us was we were in front when we started this window, and can we stay there at the end of the window?" Popovic said after Tuesday's win.
"We did our part. We got six points. We extended our lead to three. So we're in a good position.
"It's in our hands, but we have to get the job done. Wonderful two games coming up, first Japan in Perth, it will be a special match, and we're looking forward to that."
Australia's final qualifier on June 10 looks set to be a winner-takes-all clash with the Saudis in another hostile environment.
Popovic said he was still looking for improvement but felt the character the Socceroos had shown in the wins over Indonesia and China would hold them in good stead for the run-in.
"They can certainly play under pressure. They can handle the expectation, and they improved," Popovic added.
"When you look at this second game, the performance that we had was much better than the first, although we'd be happy with five goals in each international match.
"And now the challenge is a great one. You've got Japan and Saudi and can we improve once more in June against the best team in Asia?"