A 170-year-old economic theory states that as their income increases, people devote a smaller share of it to sustenance. China appears to defy Engel’s law: Illustration: Álvaro Bernis

A 170-year-old economic theory states that as their income increases, people devote a smaller share of it to sustenance. China appears to defy Engel’s law: Illustration: Álvaro Bernis