The US Coast Guard has turned over its second Hamilton-class cutter to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. But media outlets in the Philippines say the US has refused the country's plea to retain the ship's radar equipment.

The vessel cost the Philippine government more than 9 million US dollars. The ship, no longer in use, was sold after it completed its 40-year-mission in the US navy. After the US removed major systems from the first Hamilton cutter it sold to the Philippines.

The ship will be refitted in the US, while Philippine navy officials receive training from the US. Chinese military experts say the purchase is mostly symbolic and that the vessel does not pose any threat to Chinese security.

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