China Responds to Harassment Allegations: What Happened to the Indian Woman at Shanghai Airport?

Beijing recently addressed claims from Pema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen who faced a troubling situation at Shanghai airport. While traveling from London to Japan on November 21, she reported that her three-hour layover turned into a distressing experience. According to Thongdok, immigration officials said her passport was “invalid” because it identified Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded, stating that Thongdok was not harassed or detained against her will. She emphasized that the actions of immigration authorities followed proper laws and regulations. Mao also mentioned that the airline provided food and a resting area during the ordeal.

Mao reiterated China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as Zangnan or South Tibet, asserting that China doesn’t recognize Arunachal Pradesh as part of India.

In response, India lodged a formal diplomatic protest to China. Officials in both Beijing and Delhi expressed that Arunachal Pradesh is firmly under Indian sovereignty, and its residents have the right to hold Indian passports. The Indian Consulate in Shanghai offered assistance to Thongdok, helping her connect with officials who arranged her late-night flight out of China.

Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, expressed deep concern over the incident, calling it a violation of international norms. Thongdok shared her experience on social media, highlighting the emotional toll of being detained for approximately 18 hours due to the status of her passport.

This situation raises questions about international diplomatic relations and the treatment of citizens during travel. In 2021, a survey showed that more than 30% of travelers reported feeling anxious about their safety or treatment in foreign countries, especially when navigating sensitive geopolitical issues. As countries increasingly recognize the importance of respecting valid passports, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the complexities of nationality and territorial claims.

For further insight into the region’s historical context, Arunachal Pradesh has been a subject of dispute between India and China for decades. Understanding these tensions can provide greater clarity on such incidents.



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INDIA CHINA RELATIONS, WOMAN HARASSED AT SHANGHAI AIRPORT, ARUNACHAL WOMAN HARASSED, CHINA DENIES ALLEGATION OF HARASSMENT OF INDIAN WOMAN AT SHANGHAI AIRPORT'