New Delhi Rejects Beijing’s Territorial Assertion, Calls State “Inalienable Part of India”
New Delhi, November 26: A diplomatic row has erupted between India and China following Beijing’s refusal to acknowledge Indian sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. The controversy emerged after an incident at Shanghai’s international airport involving an Indian traveler.
What Happened at Shanghai Airport?
On November 21, Pema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian national residing in the United Kingdom, faced an unexpected ordeal during her journey from London to Japan. While transiting through Shanghai, she was stopped by Chinese immigration authorities who questioned the validity of her Indian passport.
The 18-hour detention occurred because her travel document identified Arunachal Pradesh as her place of birth. Immigration personnel allegedly informed her that this northeastern Indian state is actually Chinese territory, making her passport unacceptable for transit purposes.
Thongdok later described facing mockery from airport staff, who suggested she should obtain Chinese documentation instead. She reported being confined without adequate facilities or clear explanations while Indian diplomatic officials in Shanghai worked to resolve the situation.
Beijing’s Official Position
During a press conference on Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning articulated Beijing’s stance on the territorial dispute. She referred to the region using the Chinese designation “Zangnan,” which translates to “South Tibet” in English.
Mao Ning stated that Chinese immigration procedures were conducted properly and denied allegations of mistreatment. She maintained that border control authorities followed standard protocols and provided appropriate accommodations during the processing period.
The spokesperson emphasized that Beijing has never accepted India’s administrative control over this Himalayan region, which China considers part of its historical territory.
India’s Diplomatic Response
New Delhi responded swiftly and firmly to the incident. On the same day the detention occurred, Indian officials filed formal protests with Chinese authorities in both Beijing and New Delhi.
The Ministry of External Affairs clarified India’s unambiguous position: Arunachal Pradesh constitutes an inseparable component of Indian territory. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that Chinese denials cannot alter factual realities regarding sovereignty.
Indian diplomats argued that residents of Arunachal Pradesh possess legitimate Indian citizenship and documentation, entitling them to international travel rights. The ministry also noted that China’s actions potentially violate international aviation agreements.
Officials expressed concern that such incidents undermine ongoing efforts to stabilize bilateral relations between the two countries.
Regional Leadership Responds
Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, issued a strong statement condemning the treatment of the Indian traveler. He characterized the incident as unacceptable harassment of a citizen carrying valid documentation.
Khandu rejected any suggestions that the northeastern state’s status is negotiable or uncertain. He emphasized that questioning Arunachal Pradesh’s integration with India is both factually baseless and deeply offensive to its residents.
Domestic Political Reactions
Opposition parties in India criticized China’s assertions as an affront to national sovereignty. The Congress party termed Beijing’s language highly objectionable and demanded that the government take decisive action to prevent similar incidents.
Political leaders across the spectrum called for maintaining a firm stance on territorial integrity while managing diplomatic relations.
Understanding the Territorial Dispute
Arunachal Pradesh spans approximately 84,000 square kilometers along India’s northeastern frontier. The state has a population exceeding 1.3 million people who hold Indian citizenship and participate in the country’s democratic processes, including sending representatives to the national parliament.
China refers to this territory as “Zangnan” or the southern section of Tibet, claiming historical ties to the region. This dispute forms part of the larger unresolved border issues between the two nations, which have occasionally led to military tensions.
Recent Developments in Bilateral Relations
The airport incident occurred during a period when both countries had been working to improve diplomatic ties. Earlier this year, high-level meetings took place between leadership from both nations, and there had been progress on issues like visa facilitation and air connectivity.
China has previously attempted to assert its claims by assigning Chinese names to geographic features within Arunachal Pradesh. India has consistently rejected these moves as meaningless exercises that do not affect ground realities.
What This Means Going Forward
The incident highlights persistent challenges in India-China relations despite efforts at normalization. It demonstrates how long-standing territorial disputes can suddenly impact ordinary citizens and complicate diplomatic progress.
Indian officials have made clear that while they support dialogue and peaceful resolution of differences, there will be no compromise on matters of territorial sovereignty and national integrity.
The case also raises questions about international travel protocols when passengers transit through countries involved in territorial disputes with their home nations.
Analysis: This incident reflects the complex and sensitive nature of India-China border issues. While both countries seek stable relations for economic and strategic reasons, fundamental disagreements over territorial claims continue to create friction. How both governments handle such incidents will significantly impact the broader trajectory of bilateral ties in coming months.
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