Northwest China's Gansu Province issued red alerts for meteorological risks of flash floods and geological disasters on Saturday as heavy rainfall continued to batter parts of the region.
A red alert for flash floods was jointly issued by the provincial department of water resources and the provincial meteorological bureau at 6:10 a.m., citing the heightened risk from short-duration heavy rainfall in parts of Pingliang and Qingyang.
Later the same day, the provincial department of natural resources and the provincial meteorological bureau issued a red alert for weather-induced geological disasters in the same areas, warning of a high risk of hazards such as landslides, soil collapses and mudslides.
Rainfall totals over the next 12 hours are forecast to reach between 80 and 120 millimeters, with the most intense hourly precipitation expected to range from 35 to 55 millimeters, according to the provincial meteorological bureau.
The risk areas are highly vulnerable to heavy rainfall, which could trigger both flash floods and geological disasters. Authorities have urged the strengthening of real-time monitoring, early warning systems, and the evacuation of residents from high-risk zones.
China has a four-tier weather warning system -- with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
China’s cyberspace regulator has launched a special summer campaign to improve the online environment for minors, rectifying issues such as bullying under the guise of selling anime-themed merchandise.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), to strengthen the protection of minors online and foster a healthy internet environment, the CAC recently launched a two-month nationwide special campaign Qinglang 2025 Summer Special Campaign to Improve the Online Environment for Minors.
To implement regulations protecting minors online, this special campaign will further expand the depth and scope of governance, continuing to address and rectify problems that harm minors’ physical and mental well-being.
The cyberspace regulator will strictly investigate and penalize illegal content involving violence and superstition, obscenity and pornography, incitement to suicide or self-harm, and violations of minors’ privacy.
Meanwhile, the authority will also completely remove vulgar, materialistic, and emotionally provocative content, and will crack down on illegal and criminal activities targeting minors.
The authority will focus on rectifying four types of issues arising from new situations and emerging trends including the harmful and illegal activities such as online bullying and virtual sexual harassment targeting minors disguised as offers of rare anime merchandise, celebrity merchandise, free study partners, or custom images.
By using new formats and methods popular among minors – such as trading cards, stories, and animations – some individuals fabricate and spread coded internet slang and crude memes, exaggerate violent or gory content, glorify harmful subcultures, and promote distorted values, thereby endangering the physical and mental health of minors.
Furthermore, the cyberspace regulator will also address the inducement of minors to participate in dangerous offline activities, including luring them into offering prohibited services such as paid companionship for chatting, gaming, or traveling, teaching minors to make so-called “creative DIY” weapons like pen guns or toothpick crossbows, and encouraging minors to imitate dangerous actions such as “stair jumping” or the “choking challenge,” which can result in real harm.
Moreover, the authority will crack down on the exploitation of minors’ images for profit. This includes the malicious posting of inappropriate content featuring minors, creating and spreading suggestive or violent “toxic” content to drive traffic, hyping child “couple” pairings, staging fake plots such as “pranking children” or “siblings fighting,” and showcasing minors engaging in inappropriate behavior – all to attract attention, gain views, and generate profit.
While carrying out the special rectification campaign, the cyberspace regulator will also focus on the inappropriate application of AI in contexts involving minors and issues related to addiction.
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries and daily life in the digital era, China's Ministry of State Security on Wednesday reminded the public about the technology's potential to threaten national security if misused. In an article published on its official WeChat account, the ministry cautioned that AI tools, if exploited by malicious actors, could be used to fabricate disinformation, steal sensitive data, and incite ideological confrontation—turning them into a "hidden weapon" capable of undermining critical infrastructure and social stability.
The article highlights that AI-powered "deepfake" technology, combining deep learning with digital forgery, can intelligently generate realistic images, audio, and video through automated data processing. While widely used in film, gaming, and advertising to enhance virtual experiences, the technology also carries serious risks. If misused, deepfakes can infringe on individual rights, disrupt social order, and threaten national security. Chinese national security authorities have uncovered instances where hostile foreign forces have used deepfake technology to produce fake videos aimed at misleading the Chinese public, stirring panic, and undermining social stability, posing a potential threat to national security.
According to public reports, a malfunction in an open-source library allowed some users of a foreign AI model to access chat titles - and in some cases, names and payment addresses - of other active users, resulting in a personal data breach. Without proper safeguards, such sensitive information could be exploited by foreign intelligence agencies for recruitment, subversion, or infiltration, creating potential risks to national security, said the article.
Moreover, AI algorithms are designed to reorganize, generate, and output knowledge. When biased data or deliberately manipulated algorithms are introduced, they can produce ideologically skewed content - becoming a powerful tool for anti-China hostile forces abroad to incite unrest. This risk is particularly acute during the early stages of sensitive social incidents, when public attention is high and emotions are volatile. In such moments, AI-generated rumors often exploit the information vacuum to spread false narratives, misleading public opinion and triggering serious disruption, said the article. National security authorities have uncovered that certain Western countries and foreign actors are systematically operating large numbers of online accounts to flood social media with targeted viewpoints or emotionally charged content. By weaponizing topics such as gender conflict and labor disputes, they aim to infiltrate, discredit, and destabilize Chinese society, said the ministry.
At the conclusion of the article, the ministry emphasized that as AI technology brings both new opportunities and challenges, it is crucial to proactively assess emerging risks, enhance national security awareness, and strengthen individual vigilance. Only through joint efforts can a robust public defense line be built to safeguard national security, it said.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Wednesday that China will adhere to the principles of division of labor and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, while acting as a promoter of mutual benefits and win-win outcomes in global industrial and supply chains.
He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a speech at the opening ceremony of the third China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing.
China is a crucial link in global industrial and supply chains and has consistently taken practical actions to ensure the stable operation of global industrial and supply chains, contributing to deepening global industrial and supply chain cooperation and promoting world economic recovery, the vice premier said.
China will also advance the digital, intelligent and green transformation and upgrading of global industrial and supply chains, said the vice premier.
Regarding China's Ministry of Education's second study abroad alert for 2025 on Friday, warning that the security situation in the Philippines has been unstable recently, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that the Chinese government issued the travel warning out of a sense of responsibility, aiming to ensure the safety and rights of Chinese students abroad.
The spokesperson once again reminded Chinese students planning to study in the Philippines to assess the risks, and urged the Philippines to take concrete measures to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of Chinese students.
China's Ministry of Education has issued its second study abroad alert for 2025 on Friday, warning that the security situation in the Philippines has been unstable recently, with a surge in crimes targeting Chinese nationals. The ministry advised students to carefully assess safety risks and to strengthen their awareness and precautions when considering pursuing study in the Philippines.
The Tianzhou-8 cargo craft, tasked with carrying supplies for China's space station, separated from the station combination on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The cargo craft will re-enter the atmosphere in a controlled manner, the CMSA said.
Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Wednesday that it has added eight entities from China's Taiwan region to the export control list, a move Chinese mainland analysts described as "precision strike" against the military industrial enterprises supporting secessionist authorities on the island and will weaken the attempts of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to "resist reunification by force."
According to a statement, a MOFCOM spokesperson said that the eight entities from the Taiwan island had deliberately collaborated with "Taiwan independence" separatist forces in their attempt to "seek independence through military means.
The decision was made to safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, and in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, the statement said.
The export of dual-use items to these eight companies will be prohibited, the spokesperson said, emphasizing that no exporter will be allowed to violate these control measures.
Following the announcement, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday voiced strong support for the MOFCOM's decision to include eight Taiwan entities in the export control list.
Chen stated that since Lai Ching-te came to power, he has stubbornly adhered to the "Taiwan independence" stance, vigorously propagated separatist fallacies, and attempted to "seek independence by relying on foreign forces" and "seek independence through military means."
Some entities in the Taiwan region have participated in these activities, acting as accomplices. In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, MOFCOM's decision is a necessary measure to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, as well as a solemn warning to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces for their repeated separatist provocations, Chen said.
Seeking "Taiwan independence" is a dead end, and aiding "independence" is an evil path, Chen said. Enterprises, groups and individuals that are willing to be the claws and teeth of "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, participate in splitting the country, and incite crimes of splitting the country will definitely be severely punished in accordance with the law, Chen said.
According to MOFCOM, the eight entities include Aerospace Industrial Development Corp, GEOSAT Aerospace & Technology Inc, "National" Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology (NCSIST), JC Technology Inc, CSBC Corporation, Taiwan, Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Lungteh Shipbuilding Co Ltd and Gong Wei Co Ltd.
The "NCSIST" has close ties with the defense authority on the island and it develops, manufactures, and sells defense technology and weapons including missiles, publicly available information shows.
According to Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute at Xiamen University, these eight entities constitute the backbone of military-industrial complex in Taiwan, encompassing critical sectors such as aircraft manufacturing, shipbuilding, drones, software, and information network warfare — priority areas for Taiwan island's military.
Zheng told the Global Times that from raw materials to components and software, many so-called "Taiwan-made" weapons and equipment rely on mainland-sourced elements.
The mainland's sanctions will sever these firms' access to key mainland products and services, disrupting supply chains. As a result, some products may face production halts, while others could be rendered incomplete or lack essential functionalities, Zheng said.
This move by the mainland represents a targeted and precision strike, serving as a clear warning to military-industrial entities that support separatists, the expert stressed.
Li Zhenguang, deputy director at the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University, told the Global Times the mainland's latest move will effectively weaken secessionists' ability and attempts to "resist reunification by force."
He said that the senior personnel overseeing the island's military authority are diehard and highly aggressive secessionists. Therefore, the mainland must undertake targeted preparations to address this.
Peace vs conflicts
The mainland's latest measure coincides with "Han Kuang exercise" held by Taiwan region's military which started on Wednesday.
The exercise focusing on scenarios such as the so-called "response to gray-zone harassment," "joint anti-landing operations," and "resilient defense on the island," with many US weapons making their debut during the exercise. Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said on Tuesday that the Han Kuang exercise is nothing but a bluff and a self-deceiving trick played by the DPP authorities to hijack Taiwan compatriots on board its "Taiwan Independence" war chariot.
Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's "10 talks on unity" campaign was another secessionist provocation from DPP authorities recently. Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua has previously slammed the series speech as a blatant "Taiwan independence manifesto," inciting confrontation across the Straits.
The Chinese mainland, while taking firm action against secessionists in Taiwan region, continues to promote cross-Straits exchanges.
On Wednesday, spokesperson Chen announced the eighth cross-Straits youth development forum will be held from July 10 to 15 in East China's Zhejiang Province. Approximately 1,000 guests and youth representatives from various sectors across the Taiwan Straits are expected to attend, including former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party Hung Hsiu-chu.
Taiwan media also reported that students from the island will join a skills invitational competition in Shanghai with youth from mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, which includes events such as beauty styling, network tech, and robotics.
On July 3, the annual cross-Straits youth summit opened in Beijing, gathering more than 700 individuals from all walks of life and youth representatives on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, according to Xinhua.
While firmly opposing Taiwan secessionists, the mainland is committed to promoting the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and advancing comprehensive socioeconomic integration across the Straits, according to Li.
Despite the DPP's attempts to obstruct exchanges and stoke tensions, the mainland remains committed to pursuing the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and utmost effort, Li noted.
China has done a great job in applying technology in daily life in ways that benefit all walks of life, and that's something Malaysia hopes to learn, Chang Lih Kang, Malaysia's minister of Science, Technology and Innovation told the Global Times, noting that the two countries have broadened technological cooperation in AI, nuclear energy and digital economy.
Recently, China and Malaysia have signed several MoUs and documents on technological cooperation during the high-level exchange between the two countries, Chang, who is attending the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, told the Global Times on Friday. He gave examples, such as the two governments jointly allocating funds for six research and development projects, including artificial intelligence, advanced materials, clean energy, and more.
"In addition, we have joint laboratories, including those under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)," said Chang, noting that many of the projects outlined in the documents and MoUs have already been implemented or are still in progress.
The inaugural meeting of the China-Malaysia joint laboratory on oils and fats processing and safety, under the BRI, was held in June. This first-of-its-kind laboratory between China and Malaysia within the BRI framework is expected to bolster the palm oil trade and enhance broader industrial cooperation between the two countries, media reported.
According to the joint statement between China and Malaysia on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future signed in April, both sides will fully utilize the intergovernmental Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation, implement the China-Malaysia Joint Research Project and Science and Technology People-to-People Exchange Programme, jointly promote the establishment of joint research and development platforms such as joint laboratories, enhance cooperation on science parks and technology transfer, and continue to deepen the bilateral science and innovation cooperation in emerging technologies.
Chang said the scientific cooperation between the two countries also includes exchanges among scientists, academic institutions, and students, covering a wide range of areas, such as AI, nuclear energy, clean energy, and the digital economy.
The minister praised China for its success in applying technology to everyday life in ways that benefit different segments of the population. He believes this is a way of using technology to add warmth to civilization. If science does not help ordinary people, no matter how advanced the technology is, it is useless. "This is what we hope to learn from China," said Chang.
Transnational collaboration is crucial in the scientific community. No single country can independently address the global challenges we face, such as climate change and food security. "In addition to bilateral cooperation with China, we also advocate for multilateral partnerships. Only by engaging more regions and countries in collaborative efforts can we truly tackle the pressing issues confronting the world," said Chang.
In recent years, China-Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) relations have entered a new phase of equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness, and people-centered development.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech and announced the launch of five programs to advance shared development and revitalization with LAC countries at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing on May 13.
To enhance mutual understanding, the Global Times Institute (GTI), in collaboration with the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO) and the Centre for Chinese and Latin American Studies, conducted a "China-LAC mutual perception survey" in both regions. The first part is "Chinese perspectives on the LAC" and the second part is "LAC perspectives on China." The combined results were presented in late June at the Global Times' "Overseas China Week and Global South Dialogue" in the LAC region, in a report titled "Hand in Hand: China-LAC Mutual Perception Survey." This public opinion poll is China's first large-scale survey on mutual perceptions in China and the LAC region. The report revealed positive mutual impressions, with most respondents anticipating even friendlier relations. Mutual attractions with strong public foundation
The "Chinese perspectives on the LAC" survey, conducted from April 11 to 22 across 16 Chinese cities, collected 2,099 valid responses. The "LAC perspectives on China" survey, conducted from May to June, in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, and Panama, used online questionnaires and face-to-face interviews in Portuguese and Spanish, gathering 3,373 valid responses from adults aged 18-70. Both surveys clarified that "LAC" refers to Latin America and the Caribbean, encompassing the Western Hemisphere excluding the US and Canada.
The "Chinese perspectives on the LAC" survey found that "football" was the top keyword associated with the LAC, followed by "passion," "samba," "rainforest," "cuisine," "culture," and "coffee." In the "LAC perspectives on China" survey, "technology" was the most prominent impression, followed by "economy," "culture," "food," and "products," along with mentions of "China-US game," "growth," "development," "trade," and "AI" among others.
When asked about their impressions of China over the past year, a Brazilian respondent from Amazonas born in the 1990s cited "economic development and advanced technology," while another mentioned "electric vehicles." An Argentine Gen Z respondent highlighted "DeepSeek," and a young Argentine civil servant noted "festivals and customs." A Mexican born in the 1980s praised "robotics advancements," while another recalled Black Myth: Wukong. A Chilean cited Chinese TV dramas, a Panamanian admired Chinese "diligence and discipline," and a Cuban young man from Havana appreciated learning about Chinese culture through Tai Chi.
In the "Chinese perspectives on the LAC" survey, 55 percent of respondents described people in the LAC region as "passionate," followed by "optimistic" and "creative," with some also noting "diligence," "perseverance," "living in the moment," and "family-oriented" traits. LAC respondents viewed Chinese people as "smart and creative" and "hardworking," also noting "seriousness," "punctuality," "family values," "passion," "diligence," and "modesty."
Despite the geographical distance, 97 percent of Chinese and 96 percent of LAC respondents expressed strong interest in each other's affairs. Chinese respondents were most drawn to LAC's "history and ancient civilizations" (53 percent) and "literature and arts" (44 percent). LAC respondents showed the most interest in online shopping and smartphones, followed by AI, the Great Wall, electric vehicles, Chinese cuisine, products, traditional Chinese medicine, high-speed rail, and social media.
Wang Youming, a research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times that Chinese culture, both traditional and modern, enjoys a relatively good cognitive foundation in LAC countries, driven by recognition of China's economic achievements. To boost people-to-people exchanges, expanding Confucius Institutes and Luban Workshops in LAC countries, alongside cultural and tourism cooperation, particularly through film and TV, could prove effective.
Gabriel Merino, coordinator of the CLACSO working group "China and the map of world power," told the Global Times that language and cultural exchanges are key to deepening ties, with academic, technological, and co-production initiatives holding significant potential.
The vast majority of respondents in both China and LAC countries recognize each other's economic development potential. Regarding LAC's development prospects, 40 percent of Chinese respondents believe it has "a good outlook with stable economic growth," and more than half affirm it is "developing steadily, facing challenges but with potential." For China's development prospects, 50 percent of Latin American respondents think it has "a very good development prospect with rapid economic growth," and 34 percent believe it has "a good development prospect with stable economic growth."
Néstor Restivo, founder and journalistic director of DangDai Magazine, told the Global Times that China's continued growth will benefit the LAC region, a key market for its exports. In 2024, China-LAC trade reached a record $518.4 billion, with an increased number of Chinese enterprises operating across the region.
Guo Cunhai, director of the Department of Social and Cultural Studies at the Latin American Studies Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that the widespread availability of Chinese goods and job creation by Chinese firms have deepened LAC's understanding of China, driving mutual recognition. More amicable bilateral ties expected
Sharing a history of resisting imperialism and colonialism, China and LAC countries advocate multilateralism and global justice, fostering a narrative of shared destiny. The survey found that 97 percent of Chinese and 80 percent of LAC respondents recognize commonalities, particularly in supporting peace, a new global order, and green development. Many Chinese respondents also highlighted shared "ancient and splendid civilizations."
As Global South members, China and LAC countries exemplify modernization and sustainable development. Between eight and nine out of ten respondents in both regions view harmonious, friendly relations as very vital to their country's future.
Since the 1960s, as China established diplomatic ties with some LAC countries, China-LAC exchanges and cooperation have grown increasingly close. Survey data shows that over 90 percent of respondents in both regions view each other as "normal relations countries" or "friendly countries." Over 70 percent of LAC respondents consider China a "friendly country" to the region.
At a China-LAC relations and mutual perception seminar on June 23, former Argentine Defense and Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana emphasized that ties between China and LAC countries, grounded in multilateralism, international law, non-interference, and peaceful conflict resolution, are highly significant.
Patricio Giusto, executive director of the Sino-Argentine Observatory, noted that LAC's positive view of China, driven by deepening trade, financial, scientific, and cultural ties over the past 20 years, is unsurprising. China is seen as a reliable economic partner that respects the region's sovereignty, fostering mutual benefits.
The primary obstacle to friendlier relations, cited by over 40 percent of respondents in both regions, is "US pressure and provocation," with Panama (over 60 percent) and Mexico (over 50 percent) especially noting this.
Over half of respondents in both regions see the US as a "troublemaker" in China-LAC relations, with Panama (73 percent) and both Argentina and Mexico (over 60 percent) expressing agreement.
Lourdes Regueiro, a CLACSO coordinator, told the Global Times that as China's economic influence in the LAC region grows, the US has employed threats and pressure, including cutting aid in security or climate disaster management, to hinder Chinese projects and investments. Despite geographical and cultural differences, six in ten or more respondents in both regions expect friendlier ties, while about 30 percent hope to maintain the status quo. China viewed as a source of opportunity
As the LAC's second-largest trade partner, China complements the region's economy and aligns with its development strategies. Most respondents view China-LAC cooperation as mutually beneficial.
More than 20 LAC countries have joined the Belt and Road Initiative, with China implementing over 200 infrastructure projects and creating millions of jobs in the region. The survey found that 93 percent of LAC respondents see China's rapid development as an opportunity, viewing China as a key trade partner, export market, technology collaborator, and investment source.
Nearly 80 percent LAC respondents noted tangible benefits from Chinese aid, such as interest-free loans, training, and investments in infrastructure, agriculture, digital networks, transportation, and public health.
For future cooperation, 60 percent of LAC respondents prioritized trade and investment, with over 40 percent expecting high-tech sectors such as AI, infrastructure, and green development. In Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, more than 60 percent of respondents emphasized trade and investment, while no less than 60 percent of respondents in Panama favored educational and cultural exchanges. Chinese respondents prioritized green development, followed by trade, investment, and infrastructure.
Wang noted two key drivers of China-LAC cooperation: LAC's recognition of China's modernization achievements and the absence of political strings in their mutually beneficial partnerships with China, unlike their cooperation with the US.
Taiana highlighted that amid global instability, trust and cooperation with China are critical for LAC countries, particularly in trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, academia, media, and culture.
Roberto Medronho, president of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, emphasized that his university fosters Global South networks, particularly with China, through research agreements and plans for a China-Brazil Innovation Center with Beihang University, alongside cooperation with Tsinghua, Fudan, and Tongji universities. Recognition in rising global governance influence
The BRICS mechanism is seen as a cornerstone for Global South cooperation and growth. Most LAC respondents across the six surveyed countries see BRICS as a voice for the Global South, with nearly 80 percent in Brazil and over 70 percent in Chile, Mexico, and Panama in agreement.
Celso Amorim, special adviser to the president of Brazil, noted that Brazil and China have closely collaborated since the inception of BRICS, with the platform now championing Global South interests, local currency trade, and AI governance. He expressed hope for LAC's strategic autonomy and a multipolar world that prioritizes cooperation and peace.
The survey found that 80 percent of LAC respondents recognize China's rising global influence, with nearly 90 percent in Brazil and Panama and 80 percent or more in Argentina and Chile agreeing. Most Chinese respondents believe LAC's global governance role will grow.
Wang noted that most LAC countries acknowledge the trend toward a multipolar world and the rise of the Global South, and aspire to collaborate with China to reform the Western-dominated global governance system. When asked whether the region remains the US' "backyard," 40 percent of LAC and 35 percent of Chinese respondents disagreed, while only 13 percent and 19 percent, respectively, fully agreeing.
Regarding recent US' so-called "reciprocal tariffs," one-third of LAC respondents believe they could expand China-LAC trade, 20 percent see the "reciprocal tariffs" as disruptive to global trade, and one-third are uncertain. Nearly half of Chinese respondents view the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" as harmful to global trade and China-LAC trade, while nearly one-quarter seeing potential for trade expansion.
When ranking the importance of seven non-regional countries to LAC development, China topped the list, followed by the US, Russia, and Germany. China ranked first in five of the six LAC countries surveyed, except in Argentina.
Merino noted that US policymakers view LAC's diversification of ties, particularly with China, as a security threat. Despite rising US protectionism, the survey shows that the China-LAC relations are growing closer, laying a foundation for deeper cooperation, and a more just and democratic global order.
The Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, unveiled the complete video testimony of former Unit 731 member Masakuni Kurumizawa for the first time on Monday, the 88th anniversary of the July 7 Incident, an event that marked the start of Japan's full-scale invasion of China and China's whole-nation resistance against the Japanese invaders, China Central Television reported on Monday.
According to the Roster of the Epidemic Prevention and Water Purification Department of the Kwantung Army, Kurumizawa was born on May 25 in 1913, appointed as assistant technician on May 31 in 1944, and died in Japan in 1993. In the video, he openly confessed to crimes including human dissections, conducting experiments on human, and waging biological warfare during his service with Unit 731, the notorious Japanese germ-warfare detachment, during World War II (WWII).
Kurumizawa admitted in the video that in order to cultivate more virulent bacteria, the Unit 731 members of the Japanese invaders in China passed the bacteria through the blood of living human bodies to achieve the desired effect. The living human subjects were referred to as "marutas."
The term "maruta" was a codename referring to human subjects used in experiments. It was euphemistically employed to describe experimental materials. These were not only animals, but also human beings. As you may know, "Maruta" referred to people, captives in particular, who were subjected to inhumane medical experiments, Kurumizawa said in the video.
"I dissected 300 human bodies, about one-third of which were preserved as specimens, while the rest were burned. When we performed the dissection, the bodies were still warm, and blood spurted out," Kurumizawa said in the video.
In recent years, there has been a trend in Japanese society toward downplaying historical events and promoting historical revisionism. In this context, this full video testimony serves as new evidence and holds significant practical importance in proving that Japan waged a war of aggression against China and the brutal, savage, and inhumane acts committed by Japanese invaders against the Chinese people during the war, Da Zhigang, director of the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies at the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday. He said that because it was recorded while the person was alive and contains many specific details, the testimony is especially persuasive.
According to Jin Shicheng, a deputy secretary general of the Harbin Research Institute on History of Bacterial, Gas War of Japanese Invasion in China, "maruta" refers to what the Japanese invaders called "materials," which literally means "log." In addition to animals, the subjects also included human prisoners. Comparing humans and animals to "marutas" demonstrated a complete trampling on human dignity and a total disregard for human rights. It was an utter denial of human dignity and interests - an atrocity against humanity, Jin said.
Kurumizawa said in the video that Chinese, Koreans, as well as Mongolians, and some Russians were used as experimental subjects. Normally, they kept more than 40 living people in stock at all times - maintaining a standing number of 40 - because when some people died due to the experiments on them, they could be replenished at any time.
According to Jin, citing the testimony of Kiyoshi Kawashima, head of Division 4 of Unit 731 at the Khabarovsk War Crimes Trials, between 1939 and 1945, 400 to 600 people were sent to Unit 731's headquarters prison each year to become "marutas" to be experimented on. At least 600 people died each year due to these experiments, with the total number exceeding 3,000. Based on statistics from archives and oral testimonies, it can be confirmed that 1,549 victims were subjected to brutal human experiments at the "Square Building" of Unit 731.
Kurumizawa noted that due to Unit 731's strict secrecy regulations, even his own family was unaware of his activities. This secrecy was a major reason that the unit's crimes remained hidden after World War II.
The Roster of the Epidemic Prevention and Water Purification Department of the Kwantung Army lists a total of 3,497 personnel, the majority of whom are no longer alive. Jin said this document, along with Kurumizawa's video, offers crucial evidence that complements written records, artifacts, and historical sites, further revealing the full scale of Unit 731's atrocities.
Jin noted that after the war, only a few former Unit 731 members have come forward voluntarily. The majority were hiding and remained silent. Exposing the crimes of Unit 731 is a task for the global peace forces.
The newly released video was recorded in August 1991 and runs for 83 minutes. It shows Kurimiwa exposing the crimes of Unit 731 to the public during a war exhibition held in Iida city in Japan in August 1991.
In an effort to promote China-Japan friendship, it is important to unite the anti-war, peace-loving, and grassroots friendly individuals within the Japanese society. By making this material public for the first time in China through these people, it shows that there are peace-loving and anti-war forces within Japanese society, which holds not only historical significance but also practical value, Da said.
According to Da, oral history, also known as a "living fossil," should serve as a powerful tool to counter the push by Japanese right-wing groups to revise the WWII narrative within Japanese society.
