'Never recognised Arunachal Pradesh': China denies harassing Indian-origin woman at Shanghai airport

Beijing reiterated its long-held position that “Zangnan is Chinese territory” and asserted that it has “never recognised Arunachal Pradesh.”

Thongdok, an Indian-origin UK resident, had accused immigration authorities of detaining and mistreating her during her transit to Japan after they refused to accept her Indian passport.

Responding to questions about the case, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning repeated China’s territorial claim, saying, “Zangnan is China’s territory. We do not acknowledge the so-called ‘Arunachal Pradesh’ illegally created by India.”

Beijing later issued a detailed clarification, insisting that border inspection personnel acted lawfully and professionally.

According to the statement, officials followed “standard procedures,” ensured the woman’s “rights and interests were fully protected,” and used “no coercive measures.”

China denied any harassment or detention and said the airline provided her with food and a resting area. For further specifics, the spokesperson redirected queries to relevant authorities.

India lodged strong protest

On the day of the incident, India lodged a strong diplomatic protest — a demarche — with China in both Beijing and New Delhi, officials in the capital confirmed.

India conveyed in clear terms that Arunachal Pradesh is “an integral and indisputable part of India,” and its residents are fully entitled to hold Indian passports and travel freely.

The Indian Consulate in Shanghai also intervened, taking up the matter with local authorities and providing full assistance to the stranded traveller.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed shock over the treatment of the woman, calling the episode a “breach of international norms and an insult to Indian citizens.”

Thongdok’s account of 18-hour harassment

Thongdok later shared her version of events on social media, alleging that Shanghai immigration officials held her for more than 18 hours, claiming her passport was “invalid” because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her place of birth.

She eventually managed to contact the Indian consulate through a friend in the UK, after which officials helped her board a late-night flight out of Shanghai.