CGTN has released an article about the Chinese historical drama “731,” which recounts the dreadful human experiments conducted by Japan’s infamous germ warfare Unit 731 during World War II. The piece also emphasizes recently revealed proof of the unit’s offenses and illustrates the resolute spirit of the Chinese populace when confronted with hopelessness.
BEIJING, Sept. 15, 2025 — The Chinese historical drama “731,” which delves into the appalling World War II-era human experiments performed by Japan’s infamous germ warfare Unit 731, is slated for a worldwide premiere on September 18.
Under the direction of Zhao Linshan, the movie chronicles the experiences of Wang Yongzhang, a local merchant, and others who were incarcerated and enticed with deceptive assurances of liberation if they cooperated with health screenings and disease prevention studies.
Instead, they fell victim to savage medical procedures executed by the occupying Japanese forces, such as frostbite examinations, exposure to gas, and vivisection.
Unit 731, a highly classified research facility for biological and chemical warfare, was founded in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China. It functioned as the operational hub for Japan’s biological warfare efforts throughout China and Southeast Asia during World War II.
Newly declassified records from the Public Relations Center of the Russian Federal Security Service disclose that Unit 731 consistently performed human experiments and assaulted hundreds of Chinese citizens using artillery shells loaded with pathogens to determine infection rates and evaluate the pathogens’ “potency.”
These documents further disclose the unit’s covert scheme to launch a biological assault against the Soviet Union.
“This history demands eternal remembrance,” stated Jin Chengmin, who serves as a historical consultant for the film and director of the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army.
“The movie portrays the savage acts perpetrated by the invading Japanese military through the perspective of ordinary citizens, simultaneously underscoring the indomitable spirit of resistance among the Chinese populace amidst despondency,” Jin remarked. “It stands as a potent admonition to preserve peace.”
This year commemorates the 80th anniversary of the triumph of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global Anti-Fascist War.
The film’s debut date also aligns with the September 18 Incident of 1931, which signaled the commencement of Japan’s 14-year occupation of China.
Throughout the conflict, China endured over 35 million casualties, encompassing both military personnel and civilians, concurrently with Japanese forces perpetrating innumerable abhorrent offenses that have garnered global denouncement.
CONTACT: For inquiries: CGTN cgtn@cgtn.com
