Former statesman seen in China's serious (6)

I believe the answer is:

nasser

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'former statesman' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'in china's serious' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'NASSER' is hidden within 'chinas serious'.

'seen' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nasser that I've seen before include "Former Egypt leader" , "Egyptian president, d. 1970" , "Former President of Egypt" , "-- Hussain, ex-cricketer" , "old Egyptian leader" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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