What does the cryptic crossword clue "China object to a pet exercising (6)" mean?

The definition is "China object". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of TO + A + PET = TEAPOT; definition: "China object" The answer is TEAPOT.

China object to a pet exercising (6)

Times Cryptic #28623 | 17 Across | 2023-06-07 flower