China has never "liked" or supported DPRK except out of absolute necessity. It has always been Russia that put themselves out for them, except when Russia itself was a basketcase due to listening to American "advice" and trusting their words.

People may associate China and the DPRK more than with Russia, but most people also not aware that Russia and the DPRK are neighbours with a common border.

China would have been more than happy to get rid of the Kim dynasty, and 'regime change' the place more to its liking, and has never hidden that to the DPRK. There is little love lost between them.

I am not expressing contempt for China, but for the idea that China has much, if any, control over DPRK affairs.