India Protests After Passenger Held 18 Hours in Shanghai Over Arunachal Pradesh Passport Dispute

India has lodged a formal protest with China after an Indian national said she was held for 18 hours at Shanghai’s airport on Nov. 21 while transiting to Japan. The traveler, Pem Wang Thongdok, told authorities and later posted on X that Chinese officials refused to accept her passport because her place of birth, the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, is regarded by Beijing as part of China and referred to by Chinese authorities as Zangnan (Southern Tibet).

What happened

According to the traveler’s account, she was stopped by Chinese border officials during a layover and told her passport was invalid because her birthplace falls within a territory claimed by China. She said she was held at the airport for roughly 18 hours before being allowed to continue her journey.

Official responses

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said border inspection authorities handled the case "in accordance with laws and regulations" and that the authorities had "fully protected the legitimate rights and interests" of the person involved. Mao denied that the individual had been detained or harassed and reiterated Beijing’s longstanding claim that Zangnan is Chinese territory.

India’s Foreign Ministry rejected that position and said Arunachal Pradesh is an "integral and inalienable part of India." Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Chinese side has not explained the detention and called the episode a "violation of several conventions governing international air travel." He also said the action contradicted Chinese rules that allow visa-free transit of up to 24 hours for nationals of all countries.

Why this matters

The incident comes amid already strained ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, which have faced a military standoff along the Himalayan frontier, trade and technology restrictions, and other geopolitical tensions since a deadly border clash in June 2020. The episode underscores how the long-running dispute over Arunachal Pradesh continues to complicate diplomatic efforts and can create flashpoints even during routine travel.

India has sought clarification and lodged a formal protest through diplomatic channels. Further developments may follow as both sides respond to the complaint and review transit and border procedures.