IMO Kim should make a deal with Xi so that he can focus on the economy. For example, let China station troops near the S + N.Korea border to serve as tripwire. No need to fear S.Korea response as the US already does the same and it has bases inside S.Korea
Win for N.Korea because it can focus on the economy and double win because the Chinese troops would serve as tripwire in the case someone wants to attack the country.
Win for S.Korea because N.Korea will stop focusing on military and because of the Chinese troops the N.Korea will dramatically drop down the military hardline talk and threats. And this would be the first stop for a peace declaration between S + N.Korea and increase economic interactions.
Lose for the US because it will lose influence in S.Korea as the threat of N.Korea will be reduced so the US wont be needed as much.
Win for China, because of increased trade with N.Korea. Win for reducing US influence in the region. Win for drawing S.Korea near China because China will have a greater influence into N.Korea. Win in the international stage as it can demonstrate it can find peaceful solution to problems, contrary to the military solutions of the US.
And Win again because it can show to the countries in the world that if you have good relations with China, you will be rewarded by China.
So as you can see, there are tremendous benefits to the N.Korea focusing on the economy and letting some Chinse troops inside the country to serve as a tripwire.
Win for N.Korea because it can focus on the economy and double win because the Chinese troops would serve as tripwire in the case someone wants to attack the country.
Win for S.Korea because N.Korea will stop focusing on military and because of the Chinese troops the N.Korea will dramatically drop down the military hardline talk and threats. And this would be the first stop for a peace declaration between S + N.Korea and increase economic interactions.
Lose for the US because it will lose influence in S.Korea as the threat of N.Korea will be reduced so the US wont be needed as much.
Win for China, because of increased trade with N.Korea. Win for reducing US influence in the region. Win for drawing S.Korea near China because China will have a greater influence into N.Korea. Win in the international stage as it can demonstrate it can find peaceful solution to problems, contrary to the military solutions of the US.
And Win again because it can show to the countries in the world that if you have good relations with China, you will be rewarded by China.
So as you can see, there are tremendous benefits to the N.Korea focusing on the economy and letting some Chinse troops inside the country to serve as a tripwire.