The Chinese are so focused on their booming economy, they're going to do everything to keep NK from doing anything stupid and disrupting the area. China retains an interest in Taiwan, but they'll bide their time as they have for decades. In a few short years, after their econonmy stabilizes, they'll be strong enough to take it not matter how much the US objects.

Here's an article that lays out what's really happening in South Korea, BTW:

S. Korea: U.S. wants to pull out a third of troops

"Washington seeks to withdraw 12,500 troops by end of 2005"

"About 7,000 U.S. forces and their families would also move from the sprawling Yongsan Base in downtown Seoul to an expanded facility south of the capital by 2006."

"Washington said earlier this month it plans to redeploy 3,600 South Korea-based troops to Iraq in the coming months. According to Kim, they would be included in the overall troop reduction. The planned U.S. troop reduction is seen as part of Washington's global effort to realign its forces so they can better respond to emergencies worldwide."