But haven't China proven (again) that they already have that technology? Unlike the DPRK (who don't seem too eager to get into orbit, either). Not working with China in space feels like a rehash of the cold war space race, except the US and the PRC are quite a lot friendlier, at least in terms of trade, and travel.
NK is indeed working on delivering payloads to orbit. Their latest mission was declared a success, although most watchers determined the orbit was so bad it would be coming down soon. I didn't follow the mission closely so I don't know what became of it.
