China Rejects Harassment Claim, Says Arunachal Pradesh Is Its Territory

China on Tuesday dismissed allegations that an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was harassed during a transit halt at Shanghai airport, even as it used the incident to reiterate its claim over the state, which it refers to as Zangnan.

The passenger, Pema Wangjom Thongdok—an Indian citizen based in the UK—was travelling from London to Japan on November 21 when her three-hour layover stretched to 18 hours. She said Chinese immigration officials declared her passport “invalid” solely because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her place of birth.

Responding to questions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning denied any misconduct, saying Thongdok “was not subjected to any compulsory measures, detainment or harassment.” Mao said border officers acted “according to laws and regulations” and claimed the airline provided rest, food and water.

Mao also repeated Beijing’s territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh, saying, “Zangnan is China’s territory… China has never acknowledged the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India.”

India sharply rejected China’s stance. Government sources said New Delhi lodged a strong protest, calling the grounds for declaring the passport invalid “ludicrous” and reaffirming that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. Officials said China’s actions violated international civil aviation norms, including the Chicago and Montreal Conventions, and created “unnecessary hurdles” in ongoing efforts to stabilise bilateral ties.

A formal demarche was issued in Beijing and New Delhi on the day of the incident, while the Indian Consulate in Shanghai intervened locally and provided assistance to the stranded traveller.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu condemned the episode, calling it a violation of international norms and an affront to Indian citizens.

Thongdok later said on social media that she was held for several hours before contacting the Indian Consulate through a friend, after which officials helped her board a late-night flight out of Shanghai.