An Arunachal Pradesh woman, Pema Wangjom Thongdok, faced significant harassment and a nearly 18-hour detention at Shanghai Pudong International Airport after Chinese immigration officials declared her Indian passport invalid. The incident occurred on November 21, 2025, while Thongdok was in transit from London to Japan for a scheduled three-hour layover.

Upon presenting her passport at immigration, an official singled her out, questioning her about her birthplace. Thongdok was then informed that her passport was invalid because she was born in Arunachal Pradesh, which Chinese authorities claimed is part of China. According to Thongdok, multiple officers insisted that Arunachal Pradesh was Chinese territory and refused to acknowledge her Indian citizenship. They also allegedly mocked her, laughed at her, and suggested she apply for a Chinese passport.

Thongdok's passport was confiscated, and she was prevented from boarding her onward flight to Japan despite possessing a valid Japanese visa. She was confined to the airport's transit area, unable to rebook tickets, purchase meals, or move freely between terminals. She also reported being denied access to food, airport facilities, and official information regarding her status.

According to Thongdok, officials pressured her to purchase a new ticket exclusively from China Eastern Airlines, implying that her passport would be returned only after doing so. This demand led to financial losses due to missed flights and hotel bookings.

Stranded and distressed, Thongdok contacted the Indian Consulate in Shanghai through a friend in the United Kingdom, where she resides. Consular officials intervened, and she was eventually able to leave the airport late at night and continue her journey.

Thongdok has described the experience as an "insult to India's sovereignty" and has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian authorities to take action. She has also written to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister's Office, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, seeking assurance that such incidents are not repeated.

The incident has sparked outrage and concern, with many viewing it as a deliberate attempt by Chinese authorities to harass Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh. It has also raised questions about the treatment of Indian nationals in Chinese airports and the need for stronger diplomatic efforts to protect their rights and dignity.