The detention of an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport has reignited the long-standing territorial dispute between India and China over the northeastern state. Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian citizen, was allegedly detained for nearly 18 hours on November 21, 2025, by Chinese immigration officials who deemed her Indian passport "invalid" because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as "Zangnan" or South Tibet and, consequently, considers the region to be Chinese territory.
Thongdok, who was en route from London to Japan, recounted a harrowing experience, alleging that officials seized her passport, denied her access to food and basic facilities, mocked her citizenship, and suggested she apply for a Chinese passport. She also claimed that China Eastern Airlines staff forced her to purchase a new ticket after blocking her from boarding her original flight, despite her holding a valid Japanese visa. According to Thongdok, her ordeal concluded only after the intervention of Indian consular officials in Shanghai and Beijing.
The incident has triggered strong reactions from both India and China. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly rejected China's territorial claims, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an "integral and inalienable part of India". MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that this "self-evident fact" cannot be altered by any amount of denial from the Chinese side. The MEA also conveyed that the issue of Thongdok's detention had been strongly taken up with the Chinese side, emphasizing that the actions of the Chinese authorities violated international air travel conventions and their own regulations regarding visa-free transit.
China, however, has denied the allegations of detention and harassment. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that border inspection authorities conducted checks in accordance with laws and regulations, protecting the individual's rights and interests without resorting to compulsory measures. Ning reiterated China's stance that "Zangnan is China's territory" and that Beijing has never recognized Arunachal Pradesh as a state illegally established by India.
This is not the first time China has taken issue with residents of Arunachal Pradesh. In 2023, China issued stapled visas to athletes from Arunachal Pradesh participating in the World University Games to avoid recognizing the state as part of India. China has also renamed places in Arunachal Pradesh to bolster its claim over the region.
The underlying issue is the unresolved border dispute between India and China, particularly concerning the McMahon Line. China rejects the McMahon Line, which demarcates much of the eastern part of the border, contending that it is an "illegal" and "unacceptable" imperialist legacy. China claims that the Sino-Indian boundary has never been properly demarcated by treaty or agreement. India, on the other hand, maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country, a position supported by the region's administration and the will of its people.
The detention of the Arunachal woman and the ensuing diplomatic spat underscore the persistent tensions and complexities surrounding the India-China border dispute. While both countries have engaged in talks to resolve the issue, a mutually acceptable solution remains elusive. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for both sides to approach the matter with sensitivity and adherence to international norms to avoid further escalation and ensure the well-being of citizens.
