An Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was detained for 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport after Chinese authorities declared her Indian passport invalid — arguing that Arunachal Pradesh is “part of China.”
Key Takeaways
- Passport rejected over birthplace — Chinese officials refused to accept her Indian passport simply because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace, claiming that region belongs to China.
- 18-hour ordeal, denied onward travel — She was held for 18 hours in transit, barred from boarding her connecting flight to Japan despite a valid visa, and reportedly denied basic facilities.
- India raised strong diplomatic protest — The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a formal protest to China, affirming that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and condemning the incident as arbitrary and unacceptable.
- China maintains its territorial claim and denies wrongdoing — The Chinese government reaffirmed that, by its view, Arunachal Pradesh (which it calls “Zangnan”) is Chinese territory, and claimed its border authorities acted according to law, denying detention or harassment.
What Happened — Chronology of the Incident
Around 21 November 2025
- The traveller, Pema Wangjom Thongdok — an Indian passport-holder from Arunachal Pradesh, living in the UK — landed at Shanghai Pudong Airport on a transit from London to Japan.
- On being processed at immigration, officials flagged her passport as “invalid” because the birthplace mentioned was “Arunachal Pradesh,” which Chinese officials claimed is not Indian territory.
- She was detained in the transit area for about 18 hours. During that time, according to her account, she wasn’t allowed to board her onward flight, wasn’t given adequate explanation, food, or assistance — and was told she should have applied for a Chinese passport instead.
Aftermath & Response (25-26 November 2025)
- The Indian consulate in Shanghai intervened; with their help she was finally allowed to leave and resume her journey late at night.
- The MEA issued a “strong démarche” against the Chinese side, calling the basis for detention “ludicrous,” insisting that Arunachal Pradesh is “indisputably” Indian territory and that her travel rights must be respected.
- Meanwhile, Chinese authorities reiterated their claim over Arunachal (calling it “Zangnan” or Southern Tibet) and denied any mistreatment, saying their immigration followed standard law-enforcement procedures.
Why This Incident Matters: More Than One Traveler Affected
Territorial Dispute Meets Individual Rights
The core issue is not just a travel hiccup — it reflects a long-standing territorial and sovereignty dispute between India and China. By invalidating her passport, Chinese authorities are effectively treating Arunachal Pradesh as foreign territory. That has big implications for any Indian from the Northeast travelling through China or Chinese-controlled airspace.
Precedent for Potential Future Incidents
If this becomes a pattern, other travellers from border states like Arunachal might face arbitrary detentions or discriminatory treatment at Chinese airports — even if they hold valid Indian passports.
For diaspora or frequent flyers, this adds an unpredictable risk layer.
Diplomacy Under Pressure
This incident puts fresh strain on India–China relations. At a time when both countries engage in sensitive negotiations over trade, border, and regional geopolitics, such public humiliation of a citizen can escalate tensions further.
Challenges to International Air-travel Norms
International civil aviation norms rely on recognition of valid passports irrespective of birthplace. If countries begin rejecting passengers based on disputed territorial claims, it undermines the predictability and fairness of global mobility.
What India Did — And Could Do
| Action / Demand | Purpose / Implication |
|---|---|
| Issued diplomatic démarche to China | To officially register protest and seek accountability |
| Reaffirmation that Arunachal Pradesh is Indian territory | Asserting sovereignty, preventing normalisation of China’s claim |
| India Consulate intervened to help the woman | Ensured her safe exit — sets precedent for consular support for other affected Travellers |
| Possible calls for international oversight or Western mediation | To highlight violation of civil aviation norms globally |
Going forward, India might step up diplomatic, legal, or multilateral pressure if more such cases emerge. It might also issue advisories for citizens from disputed-claim regions travelling via China.
What This Means for Travellers from Arunachal (or Similar Regions)
- Travellers with passports listing disputed/contested birthplace may risk detention, harassment, or denial of onward travel at Chinese airports.
- Transit via China becomes riskier — Layovers, transit without visa, or connecting flights can be unpredictable.
- Carrying additional documents (proof of nationality, identity, alternate visa routes) may not help if the root issue is a political claim by the airport country.
- This incident raises the question: Should travellers avoid transit through countries with disputed claims over their birthplace?
FAQ
A: She is Pema Wangjom Thongdok — an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, currently residing in the UK. She was transiting via Shanghai on a flight from London to Japan when the incident occurred on 21 November 2025.
A: Because her passport listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace — a region China claims as its own (referring to it as “Zangnan” or Southern Tibet). Based on that claim, they refused to recognize her Indian citizenship.
A: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lodged a strong diplomatic protest against China, reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, and deemed the detention arbitrary and unacceptable. The Indian Consulate in Shanghai assisted the woman to leave the country.
