BRP Gregorio Del Pilar docks in Manila

Philippine Navy sailors on board the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF 15) throw ropes as they dock during arrival ceremonies at Manila's pier Tuesday. AP

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has taken delivery of a decommissioned US Coast Guard cutter as part of a drive to modernize its navy amid tensions with China.

Although 46 years old, the 3,390-ton warship is the most capable in the Philippine Navy that is mostly made up of aging World War II vessels. The current flagship, a former American destroyer, is among the oldest active warships in the world.

President Benigno Aquino III toured the ship, renamed BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, in Manila Bay on Tuesday.

The US has promised to help the Philippines modernize its fleet amid recent tensions with China over the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Both the Philippines and Vietnam have accused Chinese vessels of disrupting their oil explorations in what China considers its waters.