In part this can be explained by different cultural values. Chinese value social harmony over individual freedom.
Clearly Chinese culture doesn't always amount to rolling over for the sake of social harmony, just see: Boxer Rebellion, Tiananmen Square, Communist Revolution, Xinhai Revolution, etc.
We have no way of knowing how supportive the Chinese truly are of their government if that support is given under the threat of imprisonment or loss of economic opportunities (up to and including those of family members. Under an oppressive dictatorship that persecutes freedom of speech by force, "social harmony" is really just trying to survive. In that sense, I'm sure North Korean citizens value social harmony too
I have to imagine they say something like "we are doing this to protect" etc. etc. but maybe not.