Crossword Genius

China of the future, maybe, appeared a friend of America (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rosebud

'china of the future maybe' is the definition.
(bud of a China rose)

'appeared a friend of america' is the wordplay.
'appeared' becomes 'rose' (rise can mean to appear or arrive).
'a friend of america' becomes 'bud' (US term for a friend).
'rose'+'bud'='ROSEBUD'

(Other definitions for rosebud that I've seen before include "(Poetically) a pretty young girl" , "Preminger film" , "Immature ornamental flower" , "Young flower - Citizen Kane's last word" , "Young flower (gathering recommended!)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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