Beijing has reinvented itself, but what counts more: state or economy?

Beijing is preparing to celebrate. In the Chinese capital, preparations for the large military parade are in full swing on Wednesday. On the occasion of Japan’s 80th anniversary in the Second World War, the central government on everything it has drives up to demonstrate strength. Tens of thousands of soldiers are marched up at the historic Tian’anmen Square, each step has been rehearsed, every detail is checked. This day, China’s leadership leaves nothing to chance.