Singular tool formerly in Chinese society (4)

I believe the answer is:

tong

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'chinese society' is the definition.
(Chinese criminal organisation)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for tong that I've seen before include "Society of criminals" , "Particularly in US manipulate < secret society" , "could make one's hair curl!" , "Chinese criminal gang" , "A Chinese association, may be secret" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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