‘Arunachal Pradesh is part of China’: Indian woman detained at Shanghai Airport for 18 hours, Beijing spews venom
She alleged that Chinese authorities detained her because she was from Arunachal Pradesh.
New Delhi: China has now responded to the 18-hour detention of a woman from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai Airport. On Tuesday, 25 November 2025, China denied allegations of torture against the woman, but stated that the Shanghai airport acted in accordance with Chinese law. On November 21, an India(BHARAT)n woman, Prema Wangjom Thongdok, who was travelling from London to Japan, landed at Shanghai Airport for transit. During this time, she was detained by immigration. She alleged that Chinese authorities detained her for approximately 18 hours because she was from Arunachal Pradesh.
Reacting to the incident, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Prema Wangjom Thongdok was not detained and that no harassment had been committed against her. He stated that the entire process was completed in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.
China claims Arunachal Pradesh as its territory
Responding to questions about the incident, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that “no necessary action, detention, or harassment” was carried out with Thongdok as alleged. She added that “the airline provided the passenger with a place to rest, food, and water during the process.”
Mao added, “We learned that China’s border inspection authorities conducted the entire process in accordance with laws and regulations and fully protected the legitimate rights and interests of the individual concerned.” She also reiterated Beijing’s territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which China calls Zangnan or South Tibet. She stated, “Zangnan is Chinese territory. China has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally created by India(BHARAT).”
India(BHARAT) lodges protest with China
India(BHARAT) lodged a strong protest with China and issued official demarches in both Beijing and Delhi. The India(BHARAT)n side categorically stated that “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India(BHARAT) and its residents are fully entitled to hold valid India(BHARAT)n passports and travel internationally.” The India(BHARAT)n Consulate in Shanghai immediately intervened, assisting and helping the woman leave the airport and continue her travel. Sources said India(BHARAT) has raised the incident as a serious diplomatic issue.
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