North Koreans are very nationalistic and would never accept a Chinese annexation, and South Korea would very likely join the conflict against China annexing eth

North Koreans are very nationalistic and would never accept a Chinese annexation, and South Korea would very likely join the conflict against China annexing ethnically Korean populations and lands. Nothing like identity politics to rile up the population and topple some politicians. It's far more likely that SK eventually ejects US military bases from their country and SK and NK work towards a loosening of borders and increased economic ties with Chinese acknowledgement but still wary of Chinese interference in the process. Especially considering the shifting power balance in Asia, having US military bases will eventually be more of a liability than a benefit for SK.