Taiwan has called on Australia to back its campaign to join the World Health Organisation, despite China's objections, arguing it has much to teach the world about tackling coronavirus.

Taiwan's Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said Taiwan's exclusion from the WHO on the direction of the Chinese Communist Party was no longer tenable after demonstrating the country had suppressed the virus.

Health Minister Dr Chen Shih-chung is campaigning for Taiwan's membership of the WHO. Credit:LightRocket

"If it is indeed WHO’s mission to ensure the highest attainable standard of health for every human being, then WHO needs Taiwan just as Taiwan needs WHO," Dr Chen said in a letter provided to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Australia could learn from Taiwan as it rebuilds the economy after suppressing infection rates, Taipei argues, as the island restarts live sport and open commerce while enforcing social distancing.