President Duterte mulls bilateral talks with China

President Rodrigo Duterte is considering the holding of bilateral talks with China.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno says the President told him the country is now in a better position to negotiate with China on the issue of the West Philippine Sea.

This comes after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague declared that China has no historic claim over the disputed territories.

For his part, Solicitor General Jose Calida confirms Malacañang is preparing for diplomatic meetings with China.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay may have a chance to see Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the  two-day Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM) in Mongolia beginning Friday.