I think he wants a war between the US and China. He is a jerk but not an idiot. He knows full well that a war between him and us would be a disaster and the end of his regime. Kim is like the dirty-faced street urchin who shouts provocations at a passerby and when the target responds, runs and hides behind his big brother. Only problem is, big brother may not want to get in a fight just yet, especially with the US.
With a forceful response (i.e., dropping a MOAB on top of his bad hair cut).
"Does anybody doubt that Kim Jong Il wants a war? How do you negotiate with someone who wants a war? Answer: You don't. You wait until it's your time and place. I hope that we're picking the time and place right now if it comes to it."
I think he does want war now. When we begin seriously intercepting and boarding his ships this could be easily used as an excuse for war.