On Saturday, December 13, 2025, China’s Central Archives announced it has received a new batch of Russian-provided evidence related to Unit 731, the Japanese germ-warfare unit active during World War II.
Unit 731 was responsible for lethal human experiments and weaponized disease research. Zhao Cong, director general of the International Cooperation Department at the National Archives Administration, spoke with CGTN’s Yu Li about why these newly acquired archives matter today.
Zhao Cong explained that the newly received documents shed light on the unit’s operational methods and the human cost of its experiments.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, making the timing of these archives especially poignant. As global communities reflect on past conflicts, rediscovered records like these remind us of the human impact of warfare and the importance of preserving history.
For global citizens and researchers alike, these revelations underscore the power of archival cooperation in confronting difficult truths and fostering collective responsibility.
Reference(s):
Archives reveal more evidence of atrocities committed by Unit 731
cgtn.com
