Dude, China actually WANTS the buffer. Why do you think they put up with so much bullshit? North Korea has been nothing but a thorn in China's side ever since The Great Leader passed away (and, may I add, is worshipped like a god in death - eerily similar to the Pharohs of Egypt, except everyone knows where his tomb is). The only reason they keep propping up the DPRK is because they don't want a Westernized Asian nation right on their doorstep.
I simply wonder at why on Earth they haven't decided to 'pacify' the 'Rogue Elements' in the DPRK and 'allow free elections' so a 'new government' can be implemented. Seriously, while it might be messy at first, if they could just get rid of the subversives in the DPRK and implement a government more like their own, then there'd be a lot less acrimony and a lot more of what everyone wants: trade and travel between North and South Korea.
I simply wonder at why on Earth they haven't decided to 'pacify' the 'Rogue Elements' in the DPRK and 'allow free elections' so a 'new government' can be implemented. Seriously, while it might be messy at first, if they could just get rid of the subversives in the DPRK and implement a government more like their own, then there'd be a lot less acrimony and a lot more of what everyone wants: trade and travel between North and South Korea.