Tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated particularly over maritime disputes in the South China Sea

The Philippine government is looking into large donations made by Chinese-linked groups after concerns arose that they might be connected to espionage activities. Authorities are questioning whether these donations were acts of goodwill or if they served a hidden agenda.

The website of the Qiaoxing Volunteer Group, a Chinese community organization in the Philippines, shows four men detained in late January in the Philippines on charges of

As allegations of espionage swirl, Philippine authorities aim to uncover the true intentions behind the donations to local officials.

The Philippine government is scrutinizing donations made by Chinese Communist Party-linked groups, led by four Chinese nationals suspected of espionage, to determine their intent. The donations included cash and vehicles.

The Philippine government will investigate donations from a Chinese citizen who was recently arrested on suspicion of espionage.

Philippine authorities said Tuesday they detained two Chinese nationals for spying, the latest in a series of arrests involving alleged espionage as confrontations between the countries increase in the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines arrested two more suspected Chinese spies and their local cohorts that it said targeted military camps and the presidential palace as it steps up its campaign against espionage amid geopolitical tensions with Beijing.