Rows and rows of partially inhabited high-rises sprawl into the suburbs of the northern Chinese metropolis of Tianjin, their empty balconies emblematic of a slowing economy that has not kept pace with the country's ambitions. A year and a half after crippling Covid-19 restrictions ended, the property crisis is just one of the deadweights dragging on China's recovery momentum, sending ripples of unease through the country's leaders and citizens. The ruling Communist Party will in July hold its Third Plenum -- a key meeting historically watched for signals on economic direction. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES