Indian Woman's Layover Turns Into Diplomatic Flashpoint
A routine layover for a UK-based Indian citizen at a Chinese airport escalated into a major diplomatic incident, with India and China trading sharp statements over the treatment of the passenger and the status of Arunachal Pradesh. The incident occurred on November 21, when Pema Wangjom Thongdok was transiting through Shanghai on her way from London to Japan.
The Alleged Ordeal at Shanghai Airport
What was supposed to be a brief three-hour stopover turned into an 18-hour detention, according to Thongdok's account shared on social media. She claimed that Chinese immigration officials declared her Indian passport "invalid" solely because her place of birth was listed as Arunachal Pradesh. She described the experience as a traumatising ordeal, stating she was held and questioned for an extended period before being allowed to continue her journey.
In a fortunate turn of events, Thongdok managed to connect with the Indian Consulate in Shanghai through a friend based in the UK. Officials from the consulate promptly intervened, providing her with the necessary assistance. With their help, she was eventually able to board a late-night flight out of China.
China's Official Rebuttal and Territorial Claim
On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning directly addressed the allegations. She firmly denied that Thongdok was subjected to any harassment or compulsory measures. "The woman was not subjected to any compulsory measures, detainment or harassment as alleged by her," Mao stated during a press briefing.
Mao further asserted that the border inspection authorities acted strictly in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations. She added that the airline involved had provided the passenger with a place to rest, as well as food and drink. Crucially, the spokesperson used the opportunity to reiterate China's disputed territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as Zangnan or South Tibet. "Zangnan is China's territory. China never acknowledged the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India," she declared.
India's Strong Protest and Domestic Reaction
In response to the incident, the Indian government took swift diplomatic action. Official sources in Delhi confirmed that India lodged a strong formal protest, known as a demarche, with Chinese authorities both in Beijing and in Delhi on the very day the event unfolded.
India's message was unequivocal. It firmly conveyed to the Chinese side that Arunachal Pradesh is and will always be an indisputable part of Indian territory. The government emphasized that residents of the state are full Indian citizens and are perfectly entitled to hold and travel using Indian passports issued by the government.
The incident drew sharp criticism within India. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed that he was "deeply shocked" by the reports. He condemned the action, calling it a "violation of international norms and an affront to the dignity of Indian citizens." This event highlights the ongoing and sensitive border tensions between the two Asian giants, where passport details become a proxy for larger territorial disputes.
