On the domestic front, the kid has to convince the generals that he has the balls, that he is fit for the role his father assigned to him. Hence, he has to project the image of someone who can stand up against Sokor and the US of A. He needs the hype to psyche his fellow Nokors that he has guts and he is fit to be their leader. For a people who respects power and might, the image of a war-mongering folk is someone that commands respect in their culture. Unfortunately, Sokors and Tokyo as well as the US is playing into his game. Unwittingly, they are being drawn into a flashpoint. At this point, China can not afford a conflagration with the US and they will never join any fray just as they shied away any participation when the US invaded Iraq or Afghanistan. When there is a war, the US bonds that China are holding to the tune of trillions will be worth more than when there is no war. Tokyo is also allowing the drama to unfold because it allows them the chance to persuade the US to allow them to increase military spending which has been limited as a condition of their surrender during WW2. Despite all these saber rattling, the US should allow North Korea to make military sales if the payment is in kind like food or medicine.
