NEW DELHI: Ministry of external affairs on Tuesday responded to China’s remarks on the detention of an Arunachal Pradesh woman in Shanghai, saying Beijing’s actions violated international norms and Indian sovereignty.Responding to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen statements made by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the arbitrary detention of an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, who was holding a valid passport and was transiting through Shanghai International Airport on her onward travel to Japan.”He reaffirmed New Delhi’s position on the border, saying, “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, and this is a self-evident fact. No amount of denial by the Chinese side is going to change this indisputable reality.” Jaiswal said India had taken up the matter with Beijing, adding, “Chinese authorities have still not been able to explain their actions, which are in violation of several conventions governing international air travel. The actions by the Chinese authorities also violate their own regulations that allow visa free transit up to 24 hours for nationals of all countries.” Also read: ‘Arunachal Pradesh part of China’: Indian flyer detained for 18 hours at Shanghai airport; passport called ‘invalid’The protest follows allegations by Pema Wang Thongdok, who said she was detained for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong airport on November 21 after immigration officials refused to accept her Indian passport because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. She said officials insisted Arunachal was “part of China,” seized her passport and blocked her onward travel despite a valid Japanese visa.Thongdok alleged on X that she was denied food and basic facilities and pressured to apply for a Chinese passport. She also said she suffered financial losses and was forced to buy a new ticket before her passport was returned.The incident has triggered online outrage and political criticism at home, with the Congress demanding a strong protest and calling the episode an insult to India’s sovereignty.The row has once again highlighted Beijing’s longstanding territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which China refers to as “Zangnan.”Earlier today, Spox of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Mao Ning, said, “Zangnan is China’s territory. The Chinese side has never recognised the so-called “Arunachal Pradesh” illegally set up by India. On the individual case you mentioned, according to what we’ve learned, during the entire time, China’s border inspection authorities carried out checks procedures in accordance with laws and regulations, the law enforcement was impartial and non-abusive, the lawful rights and interests of the person concerned were fully protected, no compulsory measures were taken on her, and there was no so-called “detaining” or “harassing.” The airline provided her with resting facilities and meals. For anything more specific, I’d refer you to competent authorities.”
