HARBIN -- A fund dedicated to preserving the former site of Unit 731 — a germ warfare unit that the Japanese Imperial Army operated clandestinely in northeast China during World War II — was launched on Thursday.

The fund, established by the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation, aims to support research on the history and crimes of Unit 731, protect the wartime site, and promote global awareness of peace.

Located in the Pingfang district of Harbin in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, the Unit 731 site served as the base for Japan's planning and execution of biological warfare in China.

Historical records suggest that between 1940 and 1945, at least 3,000 people were used in human experiments by Unit 731, while more than 300,000 people in China were killed by Japan's biological weapons.

"Protecting and studying this site is not only about preserving history but also about safeguarding justice for humanity," said Liu Yuzhu, chairman of the foundation. Liu noted that the fund will support preservation work, the digital archiving of artifacts, international academic exchange and youth education programs.

On the same day, over 10 companies contributed a total of 3.61 million yuan ($507,536) to the fund. A public donation channel has also been opened.

"Unit 731 committed unforgivable crimes against humanity," said Jin Chengmin, curator of the Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army.

At a time when certain right-wing voices in Japan are attempting to deny or downplay these atrocities, this fund will help the international community recognize these crimes of militarism and strengthen efforts to preserve peace, Jin noted.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Also in Harbin, the world premiere of "Evil Unbound" — a film about Unit 731 — took place on Wednesday. By 7 pm Thursday, the film's opening-day box office sales had already topped 280 million yuan, with total attendance at 7.6 million, according to ticketing platform Maoyan.