above did not answer the q

It depend how you get the money. If your friend hold US $ in a Cuinese bank as a private accunt and original fund was not cash, he/she can just write a check (buy one from chinese bank). If original is cash, she can still buy casher's check in some banks in mainland. Then main the check to a broker in US.

If the money is not in a private account. I think it's better not discuss here.