Arunachal-Origin Indian Woman Detained in China, Sparks Diplomatic Row

The detention of Pema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen living in the UK, at Shanghai airport has triggered a fresh diplomatic confrontation between India and China.

Thongdok, travelling from London to Japan, was stopped last Friday after Chinese immigration officials objected to her Indian passport listing Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. China claims the region as “South Tibet”—a claim India firmly rejects.

She described the experience as “humiliating”, saying officials mocked her and told her she should apply for a Chinese passport. She was held for 18 hours before being released, after Indian embassy officials intervened.

India’s foreign ministry condemned the action as “arbitrary”, asserting Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part of India.” Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said China’s actions violated international air travel conventions and even China’s own rules that permit 24-hour visa-free transit.

China, however, defended the incident. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning claimed the checks were “legal and non-abusive” and insisted there was no detention. She reiterated Beijing’s long-standing position that Arunachal Pradesh is Chinese territory.

The episode comes at a sensitive moment. India and China have been slowly improving ties after deadly border clashes in Galwan (2020) and skirmishes in Tawang (2022). Recent months saw resumed flights and new patrolling agreements.

Thongdok, who has lived in the UK for 14 years and previously transited Shanghai without issues, said an immigration officer singled her out and declared her passport invalid solely due to her Arunachal birthplace.

The incident has raised concerns in India about China’s intentions despite diplomatic attempts at normalisation.