Economic activity in China declined for a third straight month in May, though at a slower pace than in April, according to surveys of businesses and factories. But while the surveys suggest the economy is beginning to climb out of a severe downturn as Covid-19 restrictions are eased, economists are skeptical about a big revival. Growth will remain subdued, they say, as long as the government employs a zero-tolerance approach to virus outbreaks that involves mass lockdowns and business closures. Shanghai, for more than two months under a lockdown that has brought daily life and economic activity almost to a standstill, is due to begin a phased exit Wednesday. But less-severe restrictions remain in place in cities including Beijing and Tianjin. The global backdrop has worsened, with rising interest rates […]