[Tom4784]

Originally Posted by Northern Monkey

I don't think it would be that easy at all.
Yes they are deprived but one reason for that is they put a disproportionate amount of money and resources into their military.They have over a million troops active.Not to mention nearly 8 million reserves.
It would not be a good idea to go to war with NK for that reason alone.It would be long and bloody.
Not to mention as you say China would more than likely back them up.I think a war with China and NK would be unwinable.It would have to end either when both sides agree to end it,when they ran out of capability to fight or in nuclear destruction.

NK has a lot of soldiers but I doubt they have the resources to sustain a war effort for very long.

I'd say Russia's more of a threat for escalating any potential conflict than China. China's alliance with NK is a matter of convenience so unless there's no other option, I couldn't see them being drawn into it willingly. They're still a massive danger though obviously.