Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Over Airport Incident
China has firmly rejected allegations that it harassed or detained an Indian woman at Shanghai airport because her passport listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. The denial came even as India lodged a strong diplomatic protest over the treatment of UK-based Indian citizen Pema Wangjom Thongdok.
The Controversial Airport Ordeal
Pema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian passport holder residing in the United Kingdom, was traveling from London to Japan on November 21 when Chinese immigration officials at Shanghai airport reportedly flagged her passport as invalid. The sole reason for this classification was that her document identified Arunachal Pradesh as her place of birth.
According to Thongdok's social media account of the events, she was held for approximately 18 hours at the airport. The situation was only resolved after officials from the Indian Consulate in Shanghai intervened on her behalf, providing crucial diplomatic assistance during the prolonged detention.
China's Official Response
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to queries from PTI about the incident with a categorical denial. Mao insisted that border inspection authorities conducted their checks strictly in accordance with laws and regulations throughout the entire process.
The spokesperson explicitly stated that no compulsory measures were taken against Thongdok and rejected claims of detaining or harassing the Indian citizen. Mao further claimed that the airline had provided resting facilities and meals during the wait period.
Most significantly, Mao reiterated China's longstanding position on the territory, declaring: Zangnan is China's territory, and China does not recognise the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India.
India's Strong Diplomatic Response
India responded to the incident with immediate diplomatic action. Official sources confirmed that a demarche was issued to China on the same day through diplomatic channels in both New Delhi and Beijing.
The Indian government's protest firmly asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is an indisputable part of India and emphasized that all residents from the state are entitled to travel using Indian passports without facing discrimination or questioning about their place of origin.
Indian officials highlighted that the Indian Consulate in Shanghai extended the fullest assistance to Thongdok during her ordeal, demonstrating the government's commitment to protecting Indian citizens abroad.
Political Reactions in India
The incident sparked strong reactions from political leaders across India. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed being deeply shocked by the episode, describing it as a violation of international norms and an affront to the dignity of Indian citizens.
The Congress party reacted sharply to Mao's remarks, accusing Beijing of making offensive statements and urging the Indian government to respond firmly. In a post on social media platform X, the party characterized China's comments as extremely objectionable and a blatant attack on India's integrity.
The political party's statement emphasized that India will not tolerate such low-level rhetoric from its neighbor, reflecting the growing tensions between the two Asian powers over border and territorial issues.
This incident represents the latest flashpoint in the ongoing border disputes between India and China, highlighting the continuing diplomatic challenges in their bilateral relationship. The treatment of Indian citizens based on their regional origins within India has emerged as a new dimension in these longstanding territorial disagreements.
