China Detains Three Philippine Nationals for Alleged Espionage

The arrests, linked to a purported Philippine intelligence network, signal escalating tensions over South China Sea disputes and military alliances.

China has arrested three Philippine nationals, accusing them of espionage activities involving the collection of sensitive military intelligence.
The detained individuals, identified as David Servañez, Albert Endencia, and Nathalie Plizardo, allegedly provided military-related video materials to Philippine agents.
Chinese authorities claim the suspects were recruited by Philippine intelligence since 2021 and were involved in expanding an intelligence network within China.
The arrests follow reciprocal detentions of Chinese nationals in the Philippines earlier this year on suspicion of spying near military facilities.
This development intensifies already strained relations between China and the Philippines, with ongoing territorial disputes and growing U.S.-Philippine military cooperation.