New Delhi, November 26: India has issued a strong diplomatic protest to China over the detention of an Indian-origin UK resident, Pema Wang Thongdok, at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, calling the action a violation of international norms and rejecting Beijing’s territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh.
MEA Rejects China’s Claim
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a statement on Tuesday, dismissed the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s remarks and reaffirmed India’s position on Arunachal Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. No amount of repetition by the Chinese side can change this fact,” Jaiswal said.
He added that China has not provided a reasonable justification for the detention, which he said contradicts international air-travel conventions as well as China’s own 24-hour visa-free transit policy applicable to all foreign nationals.
What Happened at Shanghai Airport?
- Detention: Pema Wang Thongdok, originally from Arunachal Pradesh and currently residing in the UK, was in transit at Shanghai Pudong Airport on November 21 while travelling from London to Japan.
- China’s Objection: She alleged that Chinese immigration officers declared her Indian passport “invalid” because her place of birth was listed as Arunachal Pradesh — a region China refers to as Zangnan.
- Treatment: Thongdok said she was detained for nearly 18 hours, denied food and basic facilities, and released only after intervention by the Indian Consulate in Shanghai.
China’s Defence
Responding to media queries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning denied allegations of mistreatment, saying border inspection authorities acted “in accordance with laws and regulations” and that the individual’s “legitimate rights were fully protected.”
She also reiterated China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh, calling it Zangnan — a claim India has repeatedly rejected.
Citizen Speaks Out
In a statement posted online, Thongdok thanked Indian authorities and said:
Whatever steps the Indian government takes are not just for me, but for the pride of the entire country. We stand together as one nation.”
Summary
India’s latest demarche adds to a series of diplomatic confrontations with China over border narratives and territorial claims. New Delhi has made it clear that it views the incident as a breach of international norms and has demanded accountability from Chinese authorities.
Also Read | China Denies Arunachal Pradesh Is Indian Territory, Calls Region ‘Zangnan’; India Issues Strong Rebuttal
