Japan has handed over a new patrol ship to the Philippines to boost Manila's maritime defense capabilities amid its territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea.

The new patrol vessel - Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV) BRP Tubbataha - is the first of 10 ships that Japan would provide for the Philippine Coast Guard. Tokyo will deliver remaining nine patrol vessels to Manila by 2018.

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Manila is getting the 10 vessels along with a $158 million funding provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

"Nine more MRRVs will be built by the Japan Marine United Corporation Yokohama Shipyard for the Coast Guard and will also be named after the primary lighthouses in the country to denote the important role of the lighthouse as an aid to navigation to mariners," the coast guard said in a press release.

Philippine Coast Guard is planning to deploy the 44-meter multipurpose vessel to the West Philippine Sea. It will be used in search and rescue and maritime defense operations.

"The cooperation aims to build the capacity of the Philippines in boosting Maritime safety for socio-economic development. As an archipelago, the Philippines will benefit greatly from the Japanese ship," the Japanese government said.

China and Philippines have been engaged in a bitter dispute over the ownership of islands in the South China Sea. The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration last month rejected China's claims over the disputed region saying that the country has no legal authority to claim the contested territory. Manila has repeatedly asked Beijing to abide by the ruling international tribunal.

TagsJapan, china, Philippines, South China Sea, Patrol Ships