Crossword Genius

A plate, mate? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

china

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This might be a double definition.

'a plate' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'mate?' is the second definition.
(cockney rhyming slang, mate is china plate)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for china that I've seen before include "Large country; mate" , "foreign country" , "Mate (Cockney rhyming slang)" , "Ceramic; country" , "Make a chain in the country" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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