Crossword Genius

Secure area to the north in Asian country (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chain

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'secure' is the definition.
(chaining is a kind of securing)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chain that I've seen before include "Length of pitch" , "distance for a run?" , "a number of hotels" , "Series of links; sixty six feet" , "trading group" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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