Shenzhen’s glass-walled skyscrapers served as a backdrop – albeit a fictional one – for a high-speed chase recently seen by millions. The dramatic scene, featuring a drone disabling a fleeing spy, isn’t from real-life intelligence operations, but a key moment in “Scare Out,” a newly released Chinese film with a unique distinction: it’s the first motion picture officially endorsed by China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
The endorsement marks a significant shift for the MSS, historically a secretive organization. While spy thrillers are common globally, a film “led and created” by China’s intelligence agency is unprecedented, reflecting a growing effort to engage the public and bolster national security awareness. “Scare Out” premiered on February 17th, coinciding with Chinese Modern Year’s Day, and has quickly gained attention both domestically and internationally.
Directed by Oscar-nominated Zhang Yimou, the film centers on the hunt for a mole within the MSS leaking classified information about a new fighter jet. The MSS has actively promoted the film on social media, stating its aim is to “strengthen the people’s defense line” and “echo the needs of the times of national security education.” This initiative comes as the MSS increasingly seeks to demystify its work and foster public participation in counterespionage efforts.
Over the past two years, the MSS has become more visible online, particularly on WeChat, China’s largest social media platform. The ministry’s first post, approximately two years ago, declared, “Counterespionage requires the mobilization of the entire society.” Since then, daily posts have detailed real cases, including a travel blogger allegedly soliciting photos of a military base and a collector purchasing military secrets for under $1 at a recycling station. The MSS has also utilized comics, short videos, and mini-movies to broaden its outreach.
A New Approach to National Security
“Scare Out,” starring acclaimed actors Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong, isn’t simply a fictional narrative; it’s part of a broader strategy. Zhang Yimou, in a trailer released by the MSS, emphasized the pervasive threat, stating, “Spies are just there around you.” Security experts believe the MSS aims to cultivate public support and encourage citizens to report suspicious activity. Sheena Greitens, an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, described it as “a very sophisticated effort to mobilize Chinese citizens and make national security entertaining and fun to support.”
Zhang Yimou further detailed the level of MSS involvement in an op-ed for the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party. He wrote, “State security officers accompanied us throughout the whole filming process to make sure the film is close to reality.” The director, known for his Oscar-nominated films “Ju Dou,” “Raise The Red Lantern,” and “Hero,” brought his cinematic expertise to the project.
Rumors circulating on social media suggest the film’s plot is inspired by a real case involving a researcher allegedly leaking information about China’s J-35 fighter. Yet, the MSS has not commented on these claims.
Global Reach and Box Office Success
Since its release, “Scare Out” has expanded beyond China, playing in theaters in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Within two weeks, the film’s box office revenue reached 1.1 billion yuan, equivalent to approximately $160 million USD. The film appears to be resonating with audiences unfamiliar with the MSS.
Alice Jin, a 28-year-classic e-commerce worker in Washington, D.C., admitted she initially saw the movie hoping to stay awake, but found it “better than I expected,” adding, “I had no idea what it (MSS) was before.” Wang Lehang, a 25-year-old student, echoed this sentiment, stating that a patriotic film was a more engaging way to learn about national security than a traditional lecture.
A Shift in Counterintelligence Tactics
The release of “Scare Out” coincides with a broader shift in counterintelligence strategies. For decades, countries have utilized spy films as a form of cultural influence. The CIA, for example, has a history of collaborating with Hollywood to shape its portrayal in movies and television shows like the Jason Bourne franchise. Liam McLoughlin, a senior lecturer in politics at Edge Hill University in northwest England, notes a key difference: “Western movies are more about ‘here’s where the trouble is coming from,’ but China is also ‘highlighting to people internally that they don’t side with the West.’”
This proactive approach is further evidenced by the CIA’s recent recruitment videos on social media, targeting Chinese officials with messages in Mandarin, such as, “Do you have information about China’s top leaders? Are you a military officer, or do you work with the military? Please contact us. We want to understand the truth.” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly criticized these recruitment efforts, vowing to take measures to prevent infiltration.
As the lines between entertainment and national security blur, “Scare Out” represents a novel approach to public engagement. The film’s success suggests that China is exploring innovative ways to cultivate a more security-conscious citizenry and project its intelligence priorities onto the global stage. The long-term impact of this strategy, and whether other nations will follow suit, remains to be seen.
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