China's interests (and hence, position) are "don't fuck around and create trouble for us". A collapsed NK state creates more trouble for China in the form of r

China's interests (and hence, position) are "don't fuck around and create trouble for us". A collapsed NK state creates more trouble for China in the form of refugees than a still-functioning one, so we see enough aid for them to keep functioning. An occasional diplomatic poke in the eye to the US helps China too, but that's a want, not a need. Don't confuse the rhetoric with the reality.