[godelski]

Exporting technology for reactors is tricky business. While yes, you can build reactors without proliferation concerns (see Iran Deal), there's the issue that if you're learning to build reactors you're going to export the knowledge necessary to build weapons. That's the tricky part. And if you have any nuclear technology, we're going to have to spend more money to spy on you to ensure that's all you are doing.

Nuclear weapons aren't always a liability either. It is one of NK's greatest defenses. Specifically that if attacked they know they will lose and have no real reason to not use the hail mary. This helps their chances even if China decides to no longer protect them. Obviously this is country dependent though and depends on a lot of factors. But just trying to say that it isn't always a liability.