Washington, Aug 18 (TIWN) A former Central Intelligence Agency officer has been arrested on charges of conspiring with a relative to spy for China, according to the Department of Justice (DoJ).

Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 67, was arrested on Friday and charged, said the US justice department.

He is accused of divulging classified national defence information to Chinese intelligence officials.

It is the latest espionage arrest at a time of growing tension between Washington and Beijing.

Mr Ma is due to appear in court on Tuesday and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted.