But they will make it officially their’s. They may have been controlling to some extent but Kim has been recognized as it’s leader Internationally. China will not go to war over N.Korea...they’ll just take over politically...the US, JApan< and the rest will agree to this. China has nukes so it won’t make a difference....they’ll simply assume command of N.Korea.
And why exactly should they assume command??? Do you seriously think the Chinese will risk the added burden to their economy by integrating a failed state peacefully or otherwise?? North Korea has been an asset to the Chicoms since the Korean War-it has kept the US, Japan and South Korea on it’s toes. To use a crude phrase, they know North Korea enables them to get the US and their allies by their b*lls.
The Chinese government knows one fact and that is the North Koreans have never risked escalation beyond a point.