India Strongly Protests China's ‘Arbitrary’ Detention of Arunachal Woman at Shanghai Airport

India has issued a strong diplomatic protest to China after an Arunachal Pradesh–born Indian citizen, Prema Wangjom Thongdok, reported that she was unlawfully detained and humiliated by immigration officials at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The incident, which took place during a transit layover on November 21, has triggered widespread outrage across India and reignited the debate over China’s continued refusal to recognize Arunachal Pradesh as part of India.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal The criticised China after a woman from Arunachal Pradesh was detained during transit in Shanghai despite valid documents. (file photo)(HT_PRINT) | LiveMint

A Distressing Transit That Turned Into an 18-Hour Ordeal

Thongdok, an Indian national currently residing in the United Kingdom, was travelling to Japan with a scheduled three-hour layover in Shanghai. However, she claimed that Chinese immigration authorities deemed her Indian passport “invalid,” solely because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her place of birth. This, she said, led to a humiliating ordeal where officers mocked her identity, questioned her nationality, and allegedly told her that she “should apply for a Chinese passport.”

She was denied boarding for her onward flight, confined to the transit area, and given no explanation for many hours. According to her statement, even access to food, communication, and basic amenities was restricted. It was only after she managed to contact Indian officials that representatives from the Indian consulates in Shanghai and Beijing intervened and helped facilitate her safe departure.

India’s Firm Diplomatic Stand and Reassertion of Sovereignty

The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident in unequivocal terms. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the detention as “arbitrary” and “unacceptable,” asserting that the Chinese authorities violated international norms governing transit passengers. India reminded Beijing that its own regulations allow 24-hour visa-free transit for foreign travellers—rules that were clearly disregarded in this case.

Reaffirming India’s long-standing position, the MEA stated that Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part of India,” and no unilateral claims or administrative acts by China can alter this reality. The government has demanded an official explanation and corrective assurances from Beijing.

Political Reactions and Rising Public Anger

The incident sparked strong reactions from leaders in Arunachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Pema Khandu condemned the treatment of Thongdok as “racist and demeaning,” asserting that the humiliation of an Indian citizen on the basis of birthplace cannot be tolerated. He stated that such behaviour reflects China’s ongoing attempts to undermine India’s sovereignty.

Opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, also criticized the central government, arguing that India must adopt a firmer diplomatic posture to prevent recurring incidents triggered by China’s territorial claims.

China’s Denial and Repetition of Territorial Claims

In response to India’s protest, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any wrongdoing. Spokesperson Mao Ning claimed that border control authorities acted in accordance with “standard procedures” and did not impose any coercive measures. However, Beijing simultaneously reiterated its stance that Arunachal Pradesh—referred to by China as “Zangnan” or South Tibet—belongs to China.

This dual approach of denial combined with territorial assertion has further strained relations, prompting concerns about China’s treatment of Indian citizens originating from the northeastern state.

A Broader Context of Continued Tensions

This incident is the latest in a series of disputes reflecting the fragile relationship between the two Asian powers. Since the 2020 clashes in eastern Ladakh, trust between India and China has deteriorated, with border tensions spilling over into diplomatic, military, and now civilian spheres. Travel-related issues, stapled visas, and passport disputes involving Arunachal residents remain recurring friction points.

India fears that the misuse of civilian transit spaces for political signalling could escalate tensions further, especially for travellers from border states whose identities are weaponized in geopolitical disputes.

The MGMM Outlook

India has lodged a strong diplomatic protest against China following the reported detention of Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. During a routine transit to Japan, Thongdok alleged that Chinese immigration authorities questioned her nationality and deemed her passport “invalid” solely because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. She was confined to the transit area for nearly 18 hours, denied access to food and communication, and prevented from boarding her onward flight. Only after intervention by Indian consular officials was she allowed to continue her journey. The Ministry of External Affairs described the detention as arbitrary and unacceptable, reaffirming that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and demanding explanations and corrective assurances from Beijing.

The incident has reignited public and political concern over China’s persistent refusal to recognize Arunachal Pradesh as part of India. Leaders in the state condemned the treatment as humiliating and discriminatory, while opposition parties called for a firmer diplomatic approach. China, while denying any wrongdoing, reiterated its territorial claims over the region, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two countries. The episode underscores the challenges faced by Indian citizens traveling from border states, where geopolitical disputes can have personal consequences, and it adds another layer of strain to an already fragile India-China relationship.

(Sources: LiveMint, Hindustan Times, Indian Express)