Indian Woman Harassed at Chinese Airport, India Lodges Strong Protest
India Lodges Strong Protest After Woman from Arunachal Pradesh Detained in China for 18 Hours: A diplomatic row has erupted between India and China after an Indian woman traveler from Arunachal Pradesh was allegedly detained, interrogated, and harassed for over 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport during a transit flight.
The woman, Pem Wang Thongdok, was traveling from London to Japan with a scheduled stopover in Shanghai. Chinese immigration officials reportedly refused to accept her Indian passport, citing her birthplace in Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as its territory.
Woman Shares Ordeal on Social Media
Thongdok shared her experience online, writing:
“On November 21, 2025, I was detained at Shanghai Airport for over 18 hours based on claims by Chinese immigration and @chinaeasternair. They declared my Indian passport invalid because my birthplace is Arunachal Pradesh.”
Her post quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention from netizens, media outlets, and government authorities in India, with calls for immediate action.
India Responds Strongly
The Indian government reacted promptly, lodging a strong protest with the Chinese authorities in both Beijing and New Delhi. Sources confirmed that India described the actions as “ridiculous and unacceptable.”
The Indian Consulate in Shanghai intervened, providing full assistance to the stranded passenger and engaging with local officials to resolve the situation. Government sources indicate that the matter is being handled at the highest diplomatic level to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Growing Diplomatic Concern
The incident has once again brought the Arunachal Pradesh-China border dispute into the spotlight, with concerns over the treatment of Indian citizens traveling through Chinese territory. Officials in New Delhi are closely monitoring the situation and have emphasized that the sovereignty of Arunachal Pradesh will not be compromised.
The episode has sparked discussions among Indian citizens and political leaders alike, with social media amplifying demands for the government to take a firm stand.
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