Sweden played conservatively as a loss may lead to the elimination.
In the first half, both sides together only made three shots on targets.
Sweden changed their formations in the second half, but the team, which only lost once in 2016, couldn't transfer their physical advantages into goals.
China will face Germany and Sweden will take on the United States in the quarterfinals.
Also in Group E, host Brazil produced the same result with South Africa, and the winners will fight against Australia in the quarterfinals.
"We had missed the opening ceremony, but We'd like to attend the closing ceremony in Rio," said China captain Li Dongna.
"We have been in the quarterfinals and we know there will be many accidental factors in the next stage, so let's see what will happen," she added.
In Group F, Canada defeated Germany for the first time in international games. Although Melanie Behringer's penalty shot found the net in the 13th minute, Canadian captain Melissa Tancredi turned the table before the half time whistle.
Canada got three victories in a row and entered the quarterfinals with Germany. Australia smashed Zimbabwe 6-1 to survive the group as one of the two best third finishers.
In Group G, Colombia held a surprising 2-2 draw with the defending champion United States, but they were packed home.
France will face against Canada in the quarterfinals, after seeing New Zealand off 3-0 in Salvador.
