And I still don't think North Korea does jack without Chinese permission; they're far too dependent on Chinas support to just thumb their nose at them. No, I think North Korea is what it's always been: A catspaw for China to use against Japan and the US without having to get their hands dirty (publicly. ) If North Korea starts flinging nukes around or taking potshots at neighboring countrys shipping China can tut tut and wring their hands with impunity, secure in the knowledge that even if the US or someone else stirs itself in recognition of the fact the situation will only deteriorate otherwise, any reprisal will be against North Korea alone.

Meanwhile, it remains insane to allow North Korea to hold a gun to our heads on Chinas behalf simply because they might use it if we try to stop them. Didn't we already play this game in the '30s? Sooner or later a confrontation is coming, however distasteful we may find that; all that changes by waiting is the price of ending it in our favor grows, possibly to the point where a favorable ending is no longer possible.