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In a development that has sparked sharp diplomatic reactions, China has denied allegations that an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was harassed or mistreated by immigration officers at Shanghai Pudong International Airport during her international transit. The incident, which quickly drew national attention in India, revolves around the traveller being stopped over the entry of “Arunachal Pradesh” as her birthplace in her passport, a region China controversially claims as its own.
The woman, identified as UK-based Indian citizen Pema Wangjom Thongdok, was travelling from London to Melbourne with a scheduled layover in Shanghai. During the transit process, she was allegedly informed by Chinese officials that her Indian passport was “invalid” because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her place of birth. She claimed she was questioned extensively, prevented from boarding her connecting flight, and made to wait for long hours without clarity about her status.
According to her account, officials suggested she should obtain a “Chinese passport” instead, further intensifying concerns back home. She later recounted the episode online, stating she was stuck at the airport for nearly 18 hours and was advised to return to the UK, an ordeal that triggered a wave of criticism and raised questions about China’s treatment of Indian nationals from the northeastern state.
India responded swiftly, lodging a strong protest and reiterating that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inseparable part of India. New Delhi conveyed that any attempt to question the validity of Indian passports based on birthplace is unacceptable, stressing that such incidents cause distress to citizens and violate diplomatic norms.
China, however, dismissed the allegations, stating that there was “no harassment or discrimination” involved. According to a statement issued by its officials, the immigration staff acted according to domestic rules and ensured the traveller received all necessary assistance, including rest, food and help with travel arrangements. China has maintained that the issue was procedural and not political a claim India has not accepted given the sensitivity surrounding territorial claims.
The incident has sparked renewed debate on China’s stance toward individuals from Arunachal Pradesh and raised broader concerns about the implications for Indian passport holders transiting through Chinese airports. With India and China already navigating strained diplomatic relations, the episode has added another layer of tension to an already complex equation.
As the controversy deepens, both nations remain firm in their positions. India continues to demand clarity and accountability, while China insists it followed appropriate protocols. The incident has also prompted travel experts to advise Indian citizens, particularly those from Arunachal Pradesh, to exercise caution while planning routes that involve transit through China. This developing situation highlights the growing intersection of geopolitics and global travel and how individual experiences can quickly escalate into significant diplomatic flashpoints.
