India has strongly objected to China’s actions after a woman of Indian nationality, originally from Arunachal Pradesh, was stopped at Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport during a transit on November 21. The passenger, Prema Wang Thongdok, who currently resides in the UK and was travelling to Japan, was reportedly held for more than 18 hours. During this period, she was told that her Indian passport was invalid because her birthplace, Arunachal Pradesh, was considered Chinese territory by Beijing.
China maintains its stance
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, commented that airport officials acted in accordance with “laws and regulations”. Beijing also reiterated its territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as part of Chinese territory. The Chinese side rejected accusations of mistreatment or unlawful detention.
India issues strong response
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) firmly rejected China’s claim, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that no amount of denial or repetition from China can alter this undeniable fact. India has also lodged a formal diplomatic protest in both New Delhi and Beijing, citing not only the mistreatment of the passenger but also violations of international aviation norms and immigration standards.
Concerns over wider implications
Indian officials and strategic observers have expressed concern that this incident may indicate a new tactic by China in asserting territorial claims through administrative or travel-related methods rather than diplomatic or military channels. The episode introduces fresh tension at a time when both nations were making cautious attempts toward stabilising relations.
Conclusion
India has made its position unequivocally clear: Arunachal Pradesh remains firmly within the sovereign boundaries of India, and any attempts — administrative or diplomatic — to challenge that reality will be firmly countered.