The term **"china"** can refer to several things depending on context:

1. **Geographical/Political:** *China* is a country in East Asia, officially known as the *People’s Republic of China (PRC)*. It is the world’s most populous country and has a rich history and significant influence globally.

2. **Material:** *china* (with a lowercase "c") refers to a fine, high-quality ceramic material, often called *porcelain*, used to make dishes, vases, and other items.

3. **Colloquial usage:** In some contexts, especially in the UK, *china* can mean a close friend, derived from rhyming slang (*china plate* = *mate*).