NEW DELHI (AP) – India has formally protested to China regarding the "arbitrary detention" of an Indian citizen at Shanghai airport. The traveler, Pem Wang Thongdok, who hails from the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, reported being held for 18 hours due to Chinese authorities questioning the validity of her passport. This incident occurred during her layover in Shanghai on November 21, as she was en route to Japan.
Chinese officials claimed that Thongdok's passport was invalid because her birthplace, Arunachal Pradesh, is viewed by China as part of its territory, which it refers to as Zangnan or Southern Tibet. This territorial dispute is a longstanding issue, with India asserting Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of its country, while Beijing maintains a claim over the region.
The incident adds further strain to the already tense relationship between India and China, which has faced numerous challenges, including a military standoff along the Himalayan border, restrictions on trade and technology, and conflicting regional interests. This dispute comes at a particularly sensitive time, as both nations have sought to stabilize ties following a deadly border clash in June 2020.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, defended the actions of China's border inspection authorities, stating they were handled "in accordance with laws and regulations" and that the individual's rights were protected. Mao denied any claims of detention or harassment and reiterated China's position that Zangnan is Chinese territory, rejecting the legitimacy of Arunachal Pradesh as a state established by India.
In response, India's Foreign Ministry asserted late on Tuesday that Arunachal Pradesh is an essential and inalienable part of India. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that "no amount of denial by the Chinese side is going to change this indisputable reality." He expressed concern over the lack of explanation from Chinese authorities regarding Thongdok’s detention, describing it as a violation of several conventions that govern international air travel.
Moreover, Jaiswal pointed out that the actions of Chinese authorities violated their own regulations that permit visa-free transit for all nationalities for up to 24 hours. This assertion underscores India's position on the matter, reinforcing its claim over Arunachal Pradesh and challenging China’s narrative surrounding the legitimacy of the state.
