[gridlock]

Keep an eye on the puppetmaster

Indeed. How does China benefit from North Korea's bluster?

ANSWER that question, and you have solved the puzzle.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

I think China has a loose cannon on their hands with North Korea. Not that China diapproves of their antics, but the timing is all wrong. China probably realizes that dead Americans can't buy their cheap crap. Their wallet is king now.

[Steel Wolf]

China benefits from the Korean peninsula being divided. They will not benefit from a united, pro-US Korea or a radioactive wasteland on their borders.

It would be in their best interest to keep North Korea quiet and intact, a menace that never quite materializes, and one that draws the attention away from them.

Sadly, North Korea doesn't give a hoot about China's geopolitical aspirations. They care about their own survival. Only the United States can give them what they need. China and Russia don't have the money or political will to help North Korea, and are only useful in procuring weapons anymore.