New Delhi— Hours after China reiterated its claim over Arunachal Pradesh, the Ministry of External Affairs firmly dismissed Beijing’s position, asserting that the state “is an integral and inalienable part of India”. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the status of Arunachal Pradesh was a “self-evident fact”, adding that “no amount of denial by the Chinese side is going to change this indisputable reality”.
The MEA also raised concerns over the recent detention of an Indian woman at Shanghai’s Pudong Airport, calling China’s actions a violation of international aviation norms. Jaiswal said Chinese authorities had not provided a satisfactory explanation for their conduct, noting that the treatment was contrary to global civil aviation conventions and China’s own 24-hour visa-free transit regulations.
Earlier on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning referred to Arunachal Pradesh as “Zangnan, China’s territory” and denied that the woman — travelling from London to Japan — had been held for nearly 18 hours because her passport listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. Mao claimed border officials acted lawfully, ensured the traveller’s rights were protected, and did not subject her to harassment.
She further stated that the airline had provided rest facilities and meals during the period and urged media to seek details from relevant authorities.
The passenger, Pema Wang Thongdok, said she was prevented from boarding her connecting flight on November 21 and had her passport taken away, prompting intervention from Indian consular staff. In its demarche, India said the incident violated the Chicago and Montreal Conventions and created “unnecessary obstructions” at a time when both countries are attempting to normalise ties.
China’s comments on Arunachal sparked sharp political reactions in India. The Congress criticised Beijing’s repeated assertions, calling them “extremely offensive” and “an insult to India”, and urged the government to register a strong protest.
