China's Spy Ministry Goes Hollywood

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS), a powerful and secretive agency, has ventured into filmmaking with the release of "Scare Out." This spy thriller, directed by Oscar-nominee Zhang Yimou, is the first motion picture to receive endorsement from the MSS. The ministry stated that the film, which opened on February 17, is intended to "strengthen the people's defense line" and promote national security education.

The movie, starring Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong, centers on the hunt for a mole within China's intelligence service who is leaking classified information about a new fighter jet. The MSS has become more publicly visible in recent years, using social media to share information and engage citizens in counterespionage efforts, emphasizing that "counterespionage requires the mobilization of the entire society."

"Scare Out" has garnered significant attention and financial success, grossing 1.1 billion yuan ($160 million) in its first two weeks. The film is being screened in China, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Experts suggest the MSS's move into entertainment is a sophisticated effort to build public support and encourage citizen participation in reporting suspicious activities, making national security engaging.

This development comes as agencies like the CIA also engage with the public through media, though with different approaches. While Western spy movies often focus on external threats, China's "Scare Out" appears to highlight internal security concerns and distinct national interests.