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I'm almost embarrassed to ask this because it will probably be really obvious when you tell me but ...

22a Naval officer from China (4)
M?T?

I am assuming the answer must be MATE for naval officer - first mate. But can someone please tell me what China has to do with anything?

China, mate, pal...

Thanks Malone - my old China!

Rhyming slang! Course it is! I told you I'd be embarrassed! I'm a northerner so I don't speak the language!

LesleyD, glad I could help. I think China, pal, friend is so common I forget it's actually from rhyming slang.

Yes, it's "China plate", of course.