Crossword Genius

Large country's leading feature? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

china

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

'large country's' is the definition.
'China' can be an answer for 'country's' (China is a country). I am unsure of the 'large' bit.

'leading feature?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'leading' could be 'in' (in government) and 'in' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'cha' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for china that I've seen before include "Modern name for old Cathay" , "friend or companion" , "It used to be called Cathay" , "symbolised by RS [RED STAR] (separately)" , "Oriental country" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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