Tensions between India and China have escalated after an Indian woman was detained for 18 hours at Shanghai Airport. China dismissed the allegations of harassment, stating the investigation process was legal, while India called it a serious violation of dignity and sovereignty.
China: The detention and questioning of an Indian woman at Shanghai Airport have heightened diplomatic tensions between India and China. Following India's objection, China has responded to the incident, completely rejecting any allegations of harassment or misconduct. The Chinese government stated that the investigation process at the airport complied with the country's laws and regulations. Meanwhile, the affected woman and the Indian side are calling it a grave insult, misuse of rules, and a violation of India's sovereignty.
China's Official Statement
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated during a regular press briefing that the investigation process at Shanghai Airport was entirely legal. She also added that China does not recognize India's “illegally established” so-called Arunachal Pradesh. The Chinese spokesperson claimed that the woman was detained because a 'verification process' of her documents was necessary, and this was not harassment of any kind.
This statement followed allegations by Indian citizen Pema Wangjom Thongdok, who claimed that Chinese authorities refused to recognize her Indian passport and held her in a detention-like situation for over 18 hours.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister's Reaction
The political reaction to this incident has also intensified. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu termed it “highly condemnable” and a “violation of human dignity.” He stated that detaining and questioning an Indian citizen despite having a valid passport and visa is clearly harassment. Khandu called it a case of racial prejudice and said that China's attitude is unacceptable.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and will always remain so. He added that any comment or claim by China is baseless and against international standards.
Woman's Full Account
33-year-old Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a resident of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh, currently resides in the UK. On November 21, she was traveling from London to Japan. Her flight had a three-hour transit stop in Shanghai, but this journey turned into a long and distressing ordeal for her.
According to the woman, China's immigration department declared her passport invalid, stating that her “place of birth is Arunachal Pradesh, and it is part of China.” Subsequently, she was detained for 18 hours without food, water, or proper facilities. She reported being subjected to psychological pressure and repeatedly told that her document was not valid. She wrote on the social media platform X that this incident was a 'direct assault on India's sovereignty and the dignity of the people of Arunachal Pradesh'.
Allegations of Passport Confiscation
Thongdok stated that not only was she detained, but her passport was also confiscated. Despite having a valid visa, she was not allowed to board her connecting flight to Japan. She said that no clear reason was provided, and she was continuously asked inappropriate questions, many of which were related to her national identity.
The woman has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the External Affairs Minister, and other top officials, requesting the Indian government to raise this matter forcefully with China and ensure accountability.
