Three Chinese students are under investigation by South Korean police for allegedly taking illegal photographs of a US aircraft carrier in Busan.

The students were caught flying a drone towards Naval Operations Command in Busan on June 25 and allegedly captured photos of the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

The suspects could face three years in prison or a fine of 30 million won (US$21,700) for violating the Enforcement Decree of the Protection of Military Bases and Installations Act.

The drone captured more than five minutes of footage of the aircraft carrier and the base.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt's visit symbolized the firm US security commitment to South Korea, according to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.