[Monkeydad]

China has 2 billion people. They do not want chaos. They just want to be left alone (from international issues and worldwide rules like the pollution policies) to grow their economy and silently take over the role as world superpower. However, if they're forced to become engaged in this or any war...they have a nearly unlimited number of troops and can just outlast anyone. We know their Government has little value for human life...they'll sacrifice a billion people if they see a benefit to the State.

I do think North Korea feels a little emboldened and unthreatened in these actions. The world does not fear or really respect our current President's weak/appeasement approach to conflicts. Plus, they probably recognize that our military is not entirely available and our economy is weakened...so we won't be quick to rush to our ally's assistance. We've already stepped away from Israel...could South Korea be next?