China's security authorities have detained three Philippine nationals on suspicion of espionage.



China's Ministry of State Security announced on Thursday the three Filipinos were detained for allegedly collecting confidential information on the Chinese military.



China's state-run media says the suspects had gathered secret information since 2021 by taking photos near Chinese military facilities at the direction of the Philippine intelligence agency and received money in return.



China Central Television has revealed the names and faces of the three as well as a video apparently showing them being detained and apologizing.



The move comes amid confrontations between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.



In January, Philippine authorities arrested five Chinese nationals on suspicion of espionage, alleging that they had taken images of a military base without permission.