Crossword Genius

Is that an ongoing reaction in Red China? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chain

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

'reaction in red china?' is the definition.
'chain' can be an answer for 'reaction' (chain reaction is a kind of reaction). I'm not sure about the 'in red china?' bit.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chain that I've seen before include "Rope of metal links" , "a number of hotels" , "Shackle" , "Length of pitch" , "a sort of letter" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times and the Irish Times (Crosaire).
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