China Repeats Claim Over Arunachal Pradesh After India Protests Harassment of Passenger at Shanghai Airport

New Delhi, November 25, 2025— A day after India lodged a strong demarche over the alleged harassment of an Arunachal Pradesh–born Indian woman at Shanghai’s Pudong Airport, China renewed its territorial claims on Tuesday, insisting it has “never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, responding to questions in Beijing, referred to the state as “Zangnan, China’s territory” and denied reports that the traveller who was transiting from London to Japan had been detained for nearly 18 hours because her Indian passport listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace.

Mao said border inspection officials acted strictly in line with Chinese laws and insisted the woman’s rights were fully protected. She maintained that no coercive measures were used and rejected allegations of mistreatment. According to her, the airline had arranged meals and rest facilities, and she urged media outlets to seek clarification from the “competent authorities.”

The incident involved Pema Wangjom Thongdok, who was stopped from boarding her connecting flight, had her passport taken away, and was left in the transit area without food or clarity about her status a situation that prompted Indian officials to step in and ensure her release.

In its demarche, India expressed sharp concern over China’s handling of the passenger, stressing that the actions violated the Chicago and Montreal Conventions governing international civil aviation. Indian officials noted that such behaviour creates “unnecessary obstructions” at a time when both countries are attempting to restore normalcy in bilateral ties.

China’s latest remarks sparked strong political reactions in India. The Congress condemned Beijing’s stand on Arunachal Pradesh, calling it “extremely offensive” and “an insult to India.” The party urged the government to issue a firm protest, stating that such rhetoric cannot be accepted.

The Indian government has consistently maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is “indisputably Indian territory” — a position reaffirmed in its latest diplomatic protest.