‘Never recognised Arunachal’: China responds to Indian woman's 18-hour Shanghai ordeal

File photo of an Indian national flag flying next to the Chinese national emblem during a welcome ceremony for visiting Indian officials outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in 2013.

China has responded to allegations made by an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh who said she was held for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong Airport after immigration officials refused to accept her Indian passport.

Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian citizen, was travelling from London to Japan on November 21 when her scheduled three-hour stopover in Shanghai turned into a prolonged and stressful experience. She claimed that Chinese immigration officials declared her passport “invalid” because it mentioned Arunachal Pradesh as her place of birth.

Reacting to the incident, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated Beijing’s long-standing position on Arunachal Pradesh, which China refers to as Zangnan or South Tibet.

“Zangnan is China’s territory. The Chinese side has never recognised the so-called “Arunachal Pradesh" illegally set up by India," she noted.

In the case of a woman from Arunachal Pradesh transiting in China, Spox of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Mao Ning, says, "Zangnan is China’s territory. The Chinese side has never recognised the so-called “Arunachal Pradesh” illegally set up by India. On the individual… pic.twitter.com/UH3cDEV9Kw

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2025

Mao rejected Thongdok’s claims of mistreatment, stating that the conduct of immigration officers was within legal limits.

“The law enforcement was impartial and non-abusive, and the lawful rights and interests of the person concerned were fully protected. No compulsory measures were taken on her, and there was no so-called ‘detention’ or ‘harassment’," the spokesperson said.

She added that the airline had arranged resting facilities and meals for Thongdok during the delay and said, “For anything more specific, I’d refer you to competent authorities."

Following the episode, India issued a formal diplomatic protest both in Beijing and in Delhi. Indian authorities made it clear that Arunachal Pradesh is “indisputably" part of India and that its residents have every right to carry and travel with Indian passports.

The Indian Consulate in Shanghai stepped in to assist Thongdok and ensured that she was able to board a late-night flight out of China after hours of waiting.

The incident triggered strong reactions in India, especially from Arunachal Pradesh leaders. Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed his “deep shock" over the situation and described it as a “violation of international norms" and an insult to the dignity of Indian citizens.

Woman recounts distressing experience

Thongdok shared details of her ordeal through a series of social media posts, saying she was questioned and kept at the airport for nearly 18 hours. She said officials repeatedly refused to recognise her passport due to her Arunachal Pradesh origin.

Unable to resolve the situation on her own, she reached out to a friend in the UK, who then contacted the Indian consulate. With the consular intervention, she was finally allowed to leave Shanghai and continue her journey.

Growing diplomatic unease

The incident has once again highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the Arunachal Pradesh issue and added to existing strain in India-China relations. While China maintains its territorial claim, India has strongly rejected any attempt to question the identity or travel rights of its citizens.

Officials in New Delhi have reiterated that such actions are unacceptable and violate established international norms governing travel and civil aviation. The episode has intensified calls for China to respect India’s sovereignty and the rights of Indian passport holders.