Crossword Genius

Statesperson, you heard, thanks Chinese people (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

utahan

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

'statesperson' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'you heard thanks chinese people' is the wordplay.
'you heard' becomes 'U' (homophone of 'you').
'thanks' becomes 'ta' (UK informal version of 'thank you').
'chinese people' becomes 'han' (Chinese dynasty).
'u'+'ta'+'han'='UTAHAN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for utahan that I've seen before include "in a religious state?" , "American statesman" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app