Manila, Feb. 12 -- Senators on Thursday clarified that the Senate is not attempting to intimidate China, saying recent resolutions and statements reflect the chamber's unified stand on sovereignty while urging both sides to pursue diplomatic dialogue to ease tensions.

In a chance interview, Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito rejected claims that lawmakers were provoking conflict, stressing that the Senate's actions are anchored on protecting national interest.

"Dapat sana exhaust all diplomatic means, yun naman tayo eh. We do not want war. Wag nilang pagbibintangan kaming mga senador na pro-war daw kami kasi against China kami (We should exhaust all diplomatic means. We do not want war. They should not accuse senators of being pro-war ...