CGTN HIGHLIGHTS PREMIERE OF “731”, HISTORICAL FILM ON WARTIME HUMAN EXPERIMENTATION

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- A Chinese historical drama titled 731 is set to premiere globally on Sept 18, depicting events related to wartime medical experiments in northeast China.

Directed by Zhao Linshan, the film follows the story of Wang Yongzhang, a local vendor, and others who were imprisoned under the pretext of health checks and research cooperation.

According to China Global Television Network (CGTN) in a statement, the storyline illustrates how the individuals later became subjects of medical testing during the war period.

The drama also revisits the history of Unit 731, a research facility established in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, during World War II. The unit has been historically associated with biological and chemical warfare activities.

Recently declassified documents from Russia’s Federal Security Service reportedly show that Unit 731 conducted extensive pathogen testing and had planned broader operations in the region.

Historical adviser Jin Chengmin, who also heads the Exhibition Hall of Unit 731 in Harbin, said the film aims to portray the experiences of civilians while highlighting their resilience.

“This history must be remembered, and the film underscores the importance of safeguarding peace,” he said.

The global release coincides with the 94th anniversary of the Sept 18 Incident of 1931, seen as a turning point in the region’s wartime history.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, observed internationally as a victory in the global anti-fascist struggle.

-- BERNAMA