Could China make Kim Jong Ill?

Ted Galen Carpenter of the Cato Institute has an op ed in the Wall Street Journal this morning that endorses the notion, long held here, that the key to North Korea is stored on China's key ring. Without Chinese support North Korea will fold like a cheap tent. China's concern is that if Kim Jong Il is taken down, there will be a flood of refugees into China. That's possible I suppose, but should be manageable if handled properly. Should we encourage China to depose the North Korean Pompadour? Sounds okay to me. Read the whole story by clicking on the title (subscription may be required).