Japan has announced it will provide additional defense equipment to the Philippine Navy through its new cooperation framework. This comes as Manila has been facing territorial disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea.

Philippine foreign secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya signed the agreement in Manila.

Japan's Official Security Assistance program, or OSA, aims to deepen security cooperation with like-minded countries by offering equipment.

Endo said Japan increased this year's OSA budget for the Philippines from about 4 million dollars to more than 10 million. He noted that the assistance package includes coastal radar systems and reconnaissance devices.

Endo also said, "We sincerely hope that the provision of these items will be of great use for our friends facing strategic challenges."

The Philippines is trying to bolster its surveillance capabilities in the South China Sea, where Beijing has unilaterally claimed territorial rights.

Manalo said the additional equipment "will considerably strengthen the Philippines' maritime domain awareness and security capabilities."

On Wednesday, the Chinese coast guard fired water cannons and collided with one of the Philippine patrol ships in the contested waters.