India has firmly responded to China’s recent statements concerning the detention of an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated the unequivocal stance that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable and integral part of India. This assertion comes after an incident where a UK-based resident from Arunachal Pradesh, traveling to Japan, was allegedly detained and subjected to questioning about her origin by Chinese immigration officials.
According to reports, Chinese officials reportedly declared her Indian passport invalid and claimed that Arunachal Pradesh is not part of India, even allegedly mocking her identity. The MEA spokesperson highlighted that the woman was in transit with a valid passport and that the actions by Chinese authorities violated international air travel norms and their own transit visa regulations, which permit up to 24 hours stay without a visa. India has lodged formal protests in both New Delhi and Beijing. Consular officials from the Indian consulate in Shanghai swiftly assisted the traveler upon learning of the incident, ensuring her welfare.
China, however, has denied allegations of detention or harassment. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that border officials followed standard procedures and protected the passenger’s rights. This incident has reignited China’s long-standing territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as ‘Zangnan’, asserting it as Chinese territory and not recognizing the Indian state’s existence. India maintains that its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh is indisputable and not subject to change by any external claims.