Itanagar: India has lodged a strong protest with China after an Arunachal Pradesh–born Indian citizen was detained while transiting through Shanghai International Airport, reiterating that the northeastern state is an “integral and inalienable part of India.” The woman, who possessed a valid Indian passport, was intercepted during her journey to Japan, triggering fresh tensions between the two countries.
Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had raised the matter firmly with Beijing, accusing Chinese authorities of breaching international aviation norms as well as China’s own transit rules. He stressed that visa-free transit of up to 24 hours is permitted for nationals of all countries under Chinese regulations, making the episode particularly concerning. Jaiswal added that no amount of denial from Beijing would alter the established reality of Arunachal Pradesh’s status as Indian territory.
China, however, reiterated its longstanding claim over the region. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that “Zangnan is China’s territory” and said Beijing did not recognise Arunachal Pradesh as part of India. Responding to the allegations, Mao rejected the suggestion that the woman had been detained or harassed, insisting that border inspection officers had followed standard procedures and ensured her rights were protected. According to her, the airline provided food and rest facilities during the episode.
The diplomatic disagreement highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the territorial dispute between the two nations. India maintains that the detention of an Indian national carrying valid travel documents violates multiple international conventions, while China continues to assert its claims over the region it refers to as South Tibet. The incident has added a new point of friction to the already sensitive bilateral relationship.
