Taiwanese Civic Groups Hold Parade in Geneva, Sing 'Bopu-chhun' in Moving Display of Support for Taiwan
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 17, 2026 at 21:26
- 🔍 Collected: May 17, 2026 at 21:31 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 17, 2026 at 21:37 (5 min after Collected)
(CNA, Geneva, May 17, reported by Wu Po-wei) Taiwanese civic groups and overseas compatriots from various sectors held a parade in Geneva this morning to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA). Over a hundred people, including many foreign friends supportive of Taiwan, participated in the event. The crowd sang the Taiwanese folk song 'Bopu-chhun' (Longing for the Spring Breeze) together, creating a moving scene.
The 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) is set to begin on the 18th. On the eve of its opening, overseas Taiwanese, students, and civic groups from around the world traditionally hold a parade in Geneva to support Taiwan, calling on the international community to recognize Taiwan's contributions and support its inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations.
This year's parade started at the International Telecommunication Union building near the Place des Nations and proceeded to the vicinity of Mon Repos Park by Lake Geneva. With over a hundred participants, the parade procession was large and vocal.
In addition to local compatriots from Switzerland, many overseas Taiwanese and students residing in Europe made a special trip to support the event, hoping to make Taiwan visible to the world.
Lo Chung-wan, CEO of the Federation of Taiwanese Medical Organizations in Europe, told CNA that as a member of the world, Taiwan possesses rich medical experience and a history of aiding other countries. Therefore, Taiwan has the ability to help the world. In terms of economic, public health, and medical development, these are all areas where Taiwan can contribute to society and help the world.
As the procession reached its destination, the participants sang the Taiwanese folk song 'Bopu-chhun' and the classic Taiwanese song 'Ai Piah Chiah E Yia' (You Have to Fight to Win), creating a warm and touching atmosphere.
In fact, Taiwan's medical contributions are recognized by many internationally, and several international friends were present in the crowd, with some even holding banners with 'Taiwan Soul'.
Claude, a participant in the parade, described himself as a supporter of Taiwan. He believes it is unfair that Taiwan is not a member of the World Health Organization (WHO). He was very happy to see so many people take to the streets to support Taiwan today.
He said that health is an issue that concerns everyone, and no country should be excluded. The WHO plays a crucial role in fighting diseases, such as by sharing information and providing knowledge to combat epidemics during the COVID-19 era. Why exclude a country from this information?
An anonymous Ukrainian resident of Geneva, in an interview with CNA, admitted to being shocked that Taiwan is not a WHO member but was well aware of the aid provided by the Taiwanese people to Ukraine. They stated they will continue to advocate and speak up for Taiwan. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150517
The 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) is set to begin on the 18th. On the eve of its opening, overseas Taiwanese, students, and civic groups from around the world traditionally hold a parade in Geneva to support Taiwan, calling on the international community to recognize Taiwan's contributions and support its inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations.
This year's parade started at the International Telecommunication Union building near the Place des Nations and proceeded to the vicinity of Mon Repos Park by Lake Geneva. With over a hundred participants, the parade procession was large and vocal.
In addition to local compatriots from Switzerland, many overseas Taiwanese and students residing in Europe made a special trip to support the event, hoping to make Taiwan visible to the world.
Lo Chung-wan, CEO of the Federation of Taiwanese Medical Organizations in Europe, told CNA that as a member of the world, Taiwan possesses rich medical experience and a history of aiding other countries. Therefore, Taiwan has the ability to help the world. In terms of economic, public health, and medical development, these are all areas where Taiwan can contribute to society and help the world.
As the procession reached its destination, the participants sang the Taiwanese folk song 'Bopu-chhun' and the classic Taiwanese song 'Ai Piah Chiah E Yia' (You Have to Fight to Win), creating a warm and touching atmosphere.
In fact, Taiwan's medical contributions are recognized by many internationally, and several international friends were present in the crowd, with some even holding banners with 'Taiwan Soul'.
Claude, a participant in the parade, described himself as a supporter of Taiwan. He believes it is unfair that Taiwan is not a member of the World Health Organization (WHO). He was very happy to see so many people take to the streets to support Taiwan today.
He said that health is an issue that concerns everyone, and no country should be excluded. The WHO plays a crucial role in fighting diseases, such as by sharing information and providing knowledge to combat epidemics during the COVID-19 era. Why exclude a country from this information?
An anonymous Ukrainian resident of Geneva, in an interview with CNA, admitted to being shocked that Taiwan is not a WHO member but was well aware of the aid provided by the Taiwanese people to Ukraine. They stated they will continue to advocate and speak up for Taiwan. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150517