China Rejects Harassment Claim After Indian Woman’s Passport Flagged Over Arunachal Birthplace

Chinese authorities on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, firmly rejected allegations that an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was harassed or detained at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, insisting that immigration officials acted strictly in accordance with domestic laws. The incident involved Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian citizen born in Arunachal Pradesh, who was en route from London to Japan on November 21 when her scheduled three-hour layover extended to nearly 18 hours. Thongdok claimed Chinese officials declared her Indian passport “invalid” solely because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her place of birth, a region Beijing refers to as Zangnan or South Tibet and claims as its own territory.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing that no compulsory measures, detention, or harassment occurred, and that the airline provided Thongdok with rest facilities, food, and water throughout the process. “China’s border inspection authorities handled the matter fully and clearly according to laws and regulations and fully protected the lawful rights and interests of the person concerned,” Mao stated, while reiterating China’s longstanding position: “Zangnan is China’s territory. China has never acknowledged the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India.” She offered no further details on why the passport was flagged or what specific regulations were applied.

India responded swiftly with strong diplomatic protests both in New Delhi and Beijing on the day of the incident, sources confirmed. The Ministry of External Affairs conveyed in unequivocal terms that Arunachal Pradesh is “an indisputable and integral part of India” and that its residents are fully entitled to hold and travel on Indian passports without hindrance. The Indian Consulate General in Shanghai immediately intervened, maintaining contact with airport authorities and ultimately securing Thongdok’s departure on a late-night flight to her final destination.

Also Read: Viral Video Shows Mob Assaulting Couple, Torching Car During Reckless Meet-Up in Malba

The episode has reignited tensions over China’s policy of selectively questioning or delaying entry to Indian passport holders born in Arunachal Pradesh and, in some cases, issuing “stapled visas” rather than standard stamped ones to residents of the state. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the treatment as “deeply shocking” and a “violation of international norms and an affront to the dignity of Indian citizens.” While Thongdok eventually reached Japan safely with consular assistance, the incident underscores the persistent friction between Asia’s two largest powers over the unresolved border dispute in the eastern sector of their 3,488-km frontier.

Also Read: Siddaramaiah Acknowledges Confusion as Karnataka Congress Faces Leadership Challenge