The Philippines has signed contracts with Italian and South Korean companies to supply helicopters and trucks. The Defense Department said the 39 million US dollar purchase, is part of its efforts to modernize its naval capability.

It includes three multi-purpose helicopters from Italy’s AugustaWestland SPA, and 60 field ambulances and 12 trucks from Korea’s Kia Motors Corp.

The Philippines’ deals come amid increasing tension over territorial disputes with China over the Huangyan Islands in the South China Sea, where China’s been speeding up building infrastructure and recently launched its first large-scale surveillance ship there.

The Philippines has protested against these moves, while China reiterates the islands are part of Chinese territory since ancient times.

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