For much of the past year since China reopened to the world following the Covid-19 pandemic, a pall has hung over large swathes of the country as its economy struggles to regain momentum.

China quietly marked 75 years of Communist Party rule on Tuesday with a flag-raising ceremony in Tiananmen Square. Unlike previous milestones, no grand celebrations were planned. The anniversary was overshadowed by ongoing economic troubles and mounting security concerns within China.