Group 1: Tobacco Control and Legislation - The WHO emphasizes the importance of comprehensive smoke-free legislation to reduce smoking rates and related socio-economic harms, advocating for 100% smoke-free environments in indoor public spaces [3][8][10] - As of now, 24 cities in China have implemented comprehensive smoke-free policies, covering approximately 16% of the population, but the target of 20% coverage by 2022 has not been met [2][8][9] - Public support for smoke-free legislation is high, with support rates reaching 96% in Beijing and around 90% in other cities, indicating a societal shift towards anti-smoking norms [9][12] Group 2: Economic Impact of Tobacco Consumption - The tobacco industry in China reported a total tax and profit of 16,008 billion yuan in 2024, a 5.0% increase year-on-year, while other sectors, such as dining, have seen growth following smoke-free legislation [12][14] - Reducing tobacco consumption can lead to increased spending in other sectors, such as education and dining, which can stimulate economic growth [12][13] - The economic burden of tobacco-related diseases in China was estimated at 15,214 billion yuan in 2018, equivalent to 1.7% of GDP, highlighting the financial impact of smoking on healthcare costs [6][12] Group 3: Challenges and Future Directions - Despite progress, achieving 100% smoke-free environments remains challenging due to resistance from the tobacco industry and the need for consistent national legislation [10][11] - The last increase in tobacco tax occurred in 2015, and there is potential for further tax increases to align with WHO recommendations, as current tax levels are below optimal [14][15] - The rise of e-cigarettes poses additional challenges, as they may increase the likelihood of tobacco use among youth, necessitating targeted public health campaigns [16]