China has rejected allegations that an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was mistreated by immigration officers during a transit halt in Shanghai, insisting that officials acted strictly in line with Chinese laws.
The woman, Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian passport holder, was travelling from London to Japan on November 21 when the incident occurred.
She later recounted that what was supposed to be a brief layover turned into an ordeal lasting more than 18 hours, during which she claimed her passport was seized and she was not allowed to board her connecting flight.
According to her version, officials questioned the validity of her passport solely because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace.
Responding to media queries in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning denied any wrongdoing by immigration authorities.
Mao said Thongdok was neither detained nor harassed and that food, water and a place to rest were offered while checks were underway.
“Border inspection authorities followed due legal procedures and safeguarded the person’s legitimate rights,” the spokesperson said.
Mao reiterated China’s long-standing position on the border dispute, adding that “Zangnan is China’s territory, and China has never acknowledged the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India.”
The incident drew a sharp response from New Delhi. India issued a strong diplomatic protest to Beijing and also engaged its consulate in Shanghai to provide support to the traveller.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu condemned the treatment Thongdok said she faced, calling it unacceptable and a violation of international norms.
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He asserted that the state remains an integral part of India and any claims to the contrary are “baseless and offensive.”
Thongdok, 35, recounted feeling “traumatised” by being restricted to the transit zone without clarity, proper meals or basic facilities.
She said officers continued to insist that Arunachal Pradesh belonged to China, leading to further delays in her travel.
While both sides maintain contrasting versions of the events, the incident has once again highlighted the sensitivities surrounding the India-China boundary dispute and Beijing’s refusal to recognise Arunachal Pradesh as part of India.
