Tea from China (4)
I believe the answer is:
mate
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'tea' is the first definition.
(South American hot drink)
'china' is the second definition.
('China plate' is rhyming slang for 'mate')
'from' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for mate that I've seen before include "Move terminal for King" , "Ship's officer or marital partner" , "Spouse or informal pal (4)" , "Friend; chess ending" , "Pal on team" .)