Second, China wants to keep a zany North Korea as a buffer state.

FORBES: Magazine Article

When India was allied with the Soviet Union, China and the United States supported Pakistan as a buffer state, reinforcing the neighbors' historical rivalry.

CNN: GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

In that despatch Mr Chun reportedly says some Chinese officials were willing to "face the new reality" that North Korea was of little value to China as a buffer state.

BBC: Rare insight into secretive China-N Korea ties

China has wanted to keep the North as a client and buffer state, but this may be a moment when it too begins to rethink its interests in Pyongyang.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: Breaking the Kim Dynasty