i'm not worried about DPRK as a real military threat. They know they'd get their shit pushed in if it came down to a real war. And china wouldn't even intervene. Unless they're provoked, they shouldn't be much more than a punkass kid clamoring for attention... with nukes...

As for the China idea: I see how some people might buy into it, but I don't. Maintaining a hazard like the DPRK is alot of work and risk, and China seems to be quite content to just let their natural growth and capitalism-acceptance propel them into a bigger role worldwide. They really don't need a "rogue dog" under their command.