Couple from China (4)
I believe the answer is:
mate
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'couple' is the first definition.
('mate' can be a synonym of 'couple')
'china' is the second definition.
('China plate' is rhyming slang for 'mate')
'from' is the link.
(Other definitions for mate that I've seen before include "Finish game" , "Fellow member, partner" , "Friend; chess ending" , "Friend; ship's officer" , "Pal, chum" .)