ASIATODAY.ID, NEW DELHI – India has lodged a strong diplomatic protest against China after an Indian national was detained at Shanghai’s Pudong Airport, in an incident that risks undermining ongoing efforts to stabilize ties between the two Asian giants.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday expressed firm objections to the detention of Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen born in Arunachal Pradesh — a northeastern state that China claims as part of its territory and refers to as “Zangnan” or “southern Tibet.”
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India and China had been working closely to maintain “peace and tranquility” in the border regions and had made “special progress” in people-to-people exchanges.
“Arbitrary actions by China… are most unhelpful to the efforts made by both sides to build mutual trust and understanding,” Jaiswal said.
18 Hours in Detention Without Food
Thongdok said she was detained for 18 hours without food and subjected to harassment by immigration authorities while transiting in Shanghai en route to Japan.
She was reportedly told that her passport was ‘invalid’ and was allowed to continue her journey only after the Indian Consulate intervened.
India issued a démarche to China in both New Delhi and Beijing on Monday following the incident.
China Rejects Allegations of Harassment
Beijing dismissed the claims, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning insisting that “law enforcement was impartial and non-abusive,” and that Thongdok’s rights were “fully protected.”
Mao said that the airline provided her with meals and resting facilities, and reiterated China’s longstanding territorial stance:
“Zangnan is China’s territory. We have never recognized the so-called ‘Arunachal Pradesh’ illegally set up by India.”
Beijing’s Envoy Calls Border Dispute ‘Complex but Solvable’
China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, acknowledged that the border issue is “very complex and very sensitive” but expressed confidence that both countries, as “ancient civilizations,” have the wisdom to maintain peace and eventually find a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution.”
A Fresh Diplomatic Flashpoint in a Fragile Relationship
The latest incident comes at a delicate moment, as both sides attempt to repair relations strained by years of military standoffs and mutual distrust — especially following the deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020.
With Thongdok’s case now drawing public attention in India, the episode risks becoming another flashpoint in a rivalry that continues to test the stability of Asia’s two largest nations. (RT)
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