Member states of the World Health Organisation have voted against admitting Taiwan as a member.

Taiwan was trying for full membership after repeatedly beign rejected for observer status.

China hailed the decision as a victory for its effort to claim sovereignty over the island.

"As the World Health Organisation is an organ of the United Nations open to sovereign nations, Taiwan has no basic status to join," the Chinese foreign ministry said.

It said the vote "fully shows the common recognition by the international community of the one-China policy."

Under the 'one-China policy' the mainland and Taiwan belong to the same nation, ruled by the Beijing government.

China has considered Taiwan a part of its territory since Nationalist armies fled the mainland at the end of a civil war in 1949.

Beijing has vowed to retake the island by force if it declares formal independence.