Group 1 - The core issue of declining birth rates in China is highlighted, with the total fertility rate dropping significantly, making it one of the lowest among major economies [3][5][10] - The financial burden of raising children is a major deterrent, with the cost of raising a child until the age of 17 being 6.3 times the per capita GDP, which is among the highest globally, second only to South Korea [9][10] - Changing societal values have led to a shift in priorities for younger generations, who now focus more on personal fulfillment rather than traditional views on family and child-rearing [7][10] Group 2 - The government is urged to implement substantial policies to encourage childbirth, including financial subsidies, tax benefits, and improved childcare services [13][15] - Comparisons are made with countries like France and Germany, which have successfully increased their birth rates through comprehensive support systems for families [17] - The potential consequences of a declining population include labor shortages, increased costs for goods and services, and significant pressure on the pension and healthcare systems due to a higher proportion of elderly individuals [21][26][30] Group 3 - A decrease in population could lead to more resources per capita, potentially easing competition for jobs and public services [22][30] - However, the negative effects of a shrinking workforce may outweigh the benefits, particularly in labor-intensive industries [23][30] - The overall impact of population decline will depend on the ability of society to adapt and implement effective policies to address the challenges posed by demographic changes [28][30]