The Canadian government on Tuesday expressed concern on China's "ongoing coercive activities" in the South China Sea, particularly in the parts of the Philippines, as the latter still rejects an arbitral ruling already made six years ago.

In its statement on the 6th anniversary of South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Ruling, the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines said it is concerned "by China's continued unwillingness to accept the tribunal decision."

It also reaffirmed its opposition "to unilateral actions that escalate tensions and undermine regional stability and the rules-based international order."

"This includes China's use of naval, coast guard and maritime militia vessels to intimidate the ships of other states and assert unilateral claims over disputed features," it said.

"These actions are incompatible with China's obligations under international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)," it added.

Saying the 2016 tribunal ruling and UNCLOS are "a significant milestone and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes in the region," Canada said it is committed to work with allies and partners to ensure upholding a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, in accordance with international law.

"Canada supports ongoing efforts by ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) members and China to develop a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. We encourage transparency in these negotiations and reiterate that the agreement should not prejudice the rights of third parties and must be consistent with international law, including the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration ruling," it added.