When the USSR began with Glasnost and Perestroijka the entire cardhouse came crashing down. The Chinese thought that this was because of the Glasnost-part, i.e. loosening the grip on society made the whole thing spiral out of control. China would then modernize its economy to a degree while still remaining a thoroughly oppressive state.

I expect that North Korea has about the same idea. Allthough given the situation there, ending their massive famine problems would be a huge improvement even if civil liberties remain non-existent.