Arunachal Pradesh – India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a stern statement declaring that China arbitrary actions unhelpful toward efforts to build mutual trust and normalize bilateral relations. The strong response came following the recent detention of an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai airport, where Chinese authorities declared her Indian passport invalid, claiming the northeastern state was part of Chinese territory.
MEA’s Strong Rebuke Over Shanghai Incident
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made clear that China arbitrary actions unhelpful when he addressed the media at a weekly briefing on Wednesday. “Arbitrary actions by China involving an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh are most unhelpful towards efforts being made by both sides to build mutual trust and understanding, and gradually move towards normalisation of bilateral relations,” Jaiswal stated.
The incident involved Prema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian citizen traveling from London to Japan on November 21. Her scheduled three-hour layover at Shanghai airport turned into what she described as a traumatizing ordeal when immigration personnel declared her passport invalid solely because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. This action exemplifies why India considers China arbitrary actions unhelpful to ongoing diplomatic efforts.
India’s Unwavering Position on Arunachal Pradesh
Addressing why China arbitrary actions unhelpful to bilateral progress, Jaiswal reiterated India’s firm stance on territorial integrity. “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India and no amount of denial by China will alter the indisputable reality,” he emphasized during the briefing.
The MEA had made a similar assertion on Tuesday, just hours after China reiterated its claim over the territory while refuting allegations that the Indian woman was harassed at Shanghai airport. India has consistently rejected Chinese claims over Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining its sovereignty over the northeastern state despite Beijing’s persistent challenges.
Impact on Bilateral Relations
When questioned about what impact such incidents could have on bilateral relations, the MEA’s response highlighting China arbitrary actions unhelpful underscored the serious nature of the situation. The incident comes at a particularly sensitive time when both nations have been working to normalize ties following years of border tensions.
Since October 2024, both countries have worked closely to maintain peace and tranquility in border regions. The two sides reached an understanding to end the standoff along the Line of Actual Control in the Ladakh sector. However, incidents like the Shanghai airport detention demonstrate why China arbitrary actions unhelpful to sustaining this fragile progress.
Border Peace as Prerequisite for Progress
Jaiswal emphasized that peace and tranquility in border regions was a prerequisite for the continued and overall development of India-China bilateral relations. He was responding to questions about ongoing talks under the Special Representatives mechanism.
“Our position in this regard has always been very clear and consistent. Since October 2024, both sides have worked closely to maintain peace and tranquility in the border regions and it is on this basis that progress has been made particularly in people-centric engagements,” he explained. This statement contextualizes why China arbitrary actions unhelpful represents a significant setback to diplomatic momentum.
China’s Territorial Claims and Renaming Campaign
The incident at Shanghai airport reflects China’s broader strategy regarding Arunachal Pradesh. In recent years, China has resorted to renaming dozens of towns and geographical features in the state as part of its efforts to lay claim to the region. These actions consistently prove China arbitrary actions unhelpful in fostering the trust necessary for stable bilateral relations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Response
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning issued a statement on Tuesday claiming the woman was not subjected to any compulsory measures, detainment, or harassment. “We learnt that China’s border inspection authorities have gone through the whole process according to the laws and regulations and fully protected the lawful rights and interests of the person concerned,” Mao stated.
She added, “Zangnan is China’s territory. China never acknowledged the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India.” This response further illustrates why India views China arbitrary actions unhelpful, as Beijing continues to challenge India’s territorial integrity.
India’s Diplomatic Response
The MEA took swift action following the incident, making a strong demarche with the Chinese side both in Beijing and in Delhi on the same day the detention occurred. The Indian consulate in Shanghai also intervened locally, extending fullest assistance to the stranded passenger.
This immediate diplomatic response demonstrates India’s commitment to protecting its citizens while reinforcing why China arbitrary actions unhelpful to the broader relationship. The incident has become a test case for how both nations handle sensitive issues affecting ordinary citizens while attempting to maintain diplomatic progress.
Future Implications
The Shanghai airport incident serves as a reminder of the challenges facing India-China relations. Despite progress on border disengagement and efforts toward normalization, incidents demonstrating China arbitrary actions unhelpful continue to emerge, threatening the delicate balance both sides have worked to achieve.
As India maintains its position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory, such arbitrary actions by Chinese authorities at airports and borders will continue to strain bilateral efforts. The MEA’s strong statement makes clear that building mutual trust requires both nations to respect each other’s sovereignty and treat citizens with appropriate dignity, rather than using them as pawns in territorial disputes.
