I'd argue North Korea support the idea that isolation does work to the degree that they're unable to cause (significant) harm to people outside their own border

I'd argue North Korea support the idea that isolation does work to the degree that they're unable to cause (significant) harm to people outside their own borders. I feel the goal at this point should be to protect Taiwan and the South China Sea. Move productions to less populous countries, kick out Huawei and other Chinese companies (and investments for that matter) that pose a threat. Seek to protect Hong Kong. We should've learned by now that you can't satisfy the Chinese government, they'll always ask for more as they become evermore powerful. If war is inevitable (I think civil war is far more likely by putting economic pressure) then rather now instead of waiting for them to conquer more countries and building/controlling more crucial infrastructure in foreign countries.