The last paragraph pretty much sums it up.
“Conquest” doesn’t necessarily have to be achieved militarily. There is some support for the Communist north already in the south. So, say a peaceful reunification happens and they hold elections.
If the whole north still votes for Kim, and 10-15% of the south also votes for Kim, won’t Kim be the ruler of all Korea still? Especially if half of the new country’s military divisions are still loyal to him personally?
There could be (likely is) a long term strategy, to infiltrate and undermine the South.
Clearly, opening trade will strengthen the North. China can focus a lot of resources toward corrupting South Korean politicians, institutions and media - that is their specialty, worldwide.
The South Korean Left would welcome the support with open arms.
Sadly, I EXPECTED this totally fake "conservative", anti-trump rag to EXPECT Trump to fail ... probably are even desperately HOPING for Trump to fail, just like their very real, non-fake leftist counterparts in the leftist fake stream media are desperately hoping Trump will fail ...
China just called Kim to Bejing to tell him to embark on full compliance with denuclearization.
So, i presume THAT is “what’s next” for the Kim family business.