Five economic cooperation agreements were signed between South Korea and Philippines on November 21 focused on improving agriculture, electricity, and development assistance. . . currently South Korea is the fifth largest trade partner of the Philippines and the two countries engaged in bilateral trade of $6.08 billion in 2010 . . . in addition, Philippine President Benigno Aquino asked South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to help upgrade and modernize the Philippine military and looks to acquire military grade aircraft, helicopters, and ships . . . the deepening ties between Seoul and Manila reflect their significant bilateral trade . . . in addition, both countries are concerned with aggressive behavior from Beijing in the South China Sea.