In a previous article, I described North Korea as a “wicked problem,” one for which there is no – or no tolerable – solution. That was with respect to the United States.

Now, however, a review of recent events involving North Korea in conjunction with the dynamics between Pyongyang and Beijing since Kim Jong Un came to power in late 2011 clearly demonstrates that North Korea has become a wicked problem for China as well.

To begin, we need to understand that high on China’s list of security priorities is the need for a buffer between its Northeastern prefectures