Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. calls on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the ASEM in Mongolia. DFA photo

MANILA - The Philippines discussed the South China Sea dispute and its recent win against China in international court with its ally, Japan, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. called on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the Asia-Europe Meeting in Mongolia, the DFA said in a statement. Yasay represented President Rodrigo Duterte at the summit.

Manila and Tokyo have strengthened military ties under Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, in the face of separate maritime rows with Beijing.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled on July 12 that the Philippines had the right to exploit resource-rich waters held by China and that the Chinese claim over the vast swaths of the South China Sea had no legal basis.

Yasay "exchanged views" with Abe on the sea row and "reiterated the President’s desire to always engage our allies," the DFA statement said.

"He (Yasay) stated that the decision of the tribunal provides a legal basis to move forward, and the Philippine Government is currently studying the ruling very carefully," it said.

Abe, according to the DFA, "stressed the importance of the rule of law and the need for peaceful means to resolve disputes."

The Philippines and Japan, former World War II foes, are celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, the highlight of which was a visit from the Japanese imperial couple last January.

Last May, Japan agreed to lease military planes to the Philippines, one month after a Japanese warship sailed into Subic Bay. Manila considers Tokyo a "strategic ally."