China denies claims Arunachali woman was harassed at Shanghai airport
What's the story
China has denied allegations of harassment against an Indian woman by immigration officials at Shanghai airport. The woman, Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, had alleged that she was singled out during security checks and was told by Chinese authorities that her passport was invalid, as they considered Arunachal part of China. She claimed this led to an 18-hour ordeal during her transit from London to Japan on November 21.
Official statement
Chinese authorities respond to harassment allegations
Responding to the allegations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Thongdok "was not subjected to any compulsory measures, detainment or harassment." She claimed that the airline provided food, water, and a place to rest during the process. However, she reiterated China's territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing refers to as Zangnan or South Tibet. "Zangnan is China's territory. China has never acknowledged the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India," she said.
Diplomatic protest
India's strong response to Thongdok's ordeal
According to reports, India has lodged a strong démarche with Beijing and in Delhi over the incident. According to the Indian Express, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stressed that Thongdok's detention was on "ludicrous grounds," asserting Arunachal Pradesh is indisputably Indian territory. Government sources said that such conduct "introduces unnecessary hurdles" in the broader effort to stabilize bilateral relations.
Local reaction
'Direct insult to India's sovereignty'
Calling the episode a "direct insult to India's sovereignty," Thongdok had appealed to PM Narendra Modi and the Indian government to take this incident up "strongly" with the Chinese government. "Despite being in the UK for so many years, I have not given up my Indian passport because I love my country and don't want to be a foreigner in my own land," she said.