UNITED NATIONS - The international community should help small island developing states (SIDS) pursue comprehensive development and better address non-traditional security challenges, said a Chinese envoy here Thursday.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, made the appeal at a Security Council meeting on peace and security challenges facing SIDS.

Noting that SIDS are faced with non-traditional security threats such as organized transnational crimes, rampant piracy and climate change, Liu said development holds the master key to solution to all problems.

He noted efforts should be made to establish, develop and deepen partnerships with SIDS and to establish mechanisms so as to further open up markets to SIDS in support of their participation in global economy and international economic and technical cooperation.

"Efforts should also be made to promote South-South cooperation and to explore innovative means of funding and to strengthen infrastructure development to establish inter-connectivity and to promote the common development of SIDS," he said.

Liu also pointed out more attention should be paid to the capacity-building of SIDS, saying the emphasis should be on providing comprehensive and coordinated support in the field of information-sharing, technical training and equipment assistance.

Developed countries should honor their commitments in the fields of resources and capacity-building and to step up the transfer of technology so as to help these countries to respond to special challenges such as climate change.

"To help SIDS pursue comprehensive development is a requirement of the global cause of development," said the Chinese diplomat. " It is also a common responsibility of the international community. "

China stands ready to join hands with the international community to make greater contribution to the maintenance of social order and the achievement of development and prosperity in SIDS, Liu added.

SIDS are low-lying coastal countries like Maldives, Fiji, and Mauritius which are facing special social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities due to the geographical and resource limitations. The UN has recognized SIDS as a distinct group of developing countries which require special support from the international community.