Originally posted by ra
The theory is that the PRC is using NK to test US resolve.
What for? Just to know that there are some loonies overseas who can start a nuclear war for nothing?
All the situation around North Korea is extremely complicated. Three powers are playing games around it.
Possible reasons and motivations:
US: "Axis of evil" is nothing more then a propaganda slogan, and a pretty stupid one. The real reason for the game may be the desire to destabilize the whole region, that will immediately reflect on international markets in favour of the US. Remember when Clingon administration started the war supporting terrorists to destabilize EU and drop the Euro exchange rate in 1999?
China: probably will benefit from knocking South Korea from hi-tech markets, plus has a good reason to "trade" Taiwan from Americans for not supporting DPRK in the upcoming war.
Russia: tries to get all possible benefits from the side that will offer better conditions. Absolutely not interested in millions of possible refugees in Far East. The only thing that DPRK can offer us is the planned railway from South Korea that goes around China and will help us earn some money on South Korean goods delivery to Europe.
Any other ideas?