In so far as this scenario is concerned, I would term it as an intellectual exercise, but something that won't be prompted by realpolitik, as I see it.
It is too dangerous a scenario and can result it a nuclear conflagration since all parties involved would have much to lose.
We must not look at China with our mindset. They are, by historical mutation, very deep thinkers, patient and not impetuous like us. They plan issue in detail and look to the future with much deeper and with a longer time span than us.
Look at 1962. It was always on the cards. They had planned it meticulously - took India’s help to join the international comity of nations at Bandung, lulled India with all that Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai, quietly grabbed Aksai Chin and built a road and then struck, knowing fully well that India is no position to defend since they had understood the problems of High Altitude and had acclimatised, which the Indian Army had not done!!
In this scenario of Yusuf, I am sure China will assist North Korea. The reason is simple – not because of love for the Koreans but because they would not want the US anywhere nearer her border. Historically, Koreans have been no friend of the Chinese. It is merely realpolitik and of the two Koreas, the North Koreans are closer to their ideology.
As I see in this hypothetical scenario, US is China main adversary and that is where China’s attention will be. India, per se, is not that important, but then Tibet and Xingjian are important for China’s mineral quest and economy. Taiwan is always in the pocket.
Therefore, which should be the priority?
