Taiwan confirms a former naval officer is under arrest, charged with spying for China.

A statement from Taiwan's Ministry of Defense says Commander Chang Chih-hsin allegedly collected classified information from the Navy's meteorology and oceanography office. It says the information was then turned over to unidentified Chinese handlers.

Before retiring Chang was the head of the meteorology and oceanography office's political warfare division.

A defense ministry spokesman says several other officers have also been arrested.

Taiwanese officials are denying reports that Chang leaked secretive submarine nautical charts and other classified information about the waters surrounding Taiwan.