‘Arunachal is a Part of China’: Indian Passenger’s 18-Hour Shanghai Ordeal

November 24, 2025: An Indian woman’s brief three-hour layover at Shanghai Pudong International Airport unexpectedly transformed into a harrowing, 18-hour ordeal, allegedly due to Chinese immigration officials’ refusal to recognize her Indian passport. The heart of the matter lies in the long-standing border dispute, as the officials reportedly claimed her birthplace, the state of Arunachal Pradesh, was a part of China.

Passport Declared ‘Invalid’

The passenger, identified as Pema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian-origin UK resident, was traveling from London to Japan on November 21st, 2025, with a scheduled transit halt in Shanghai. According to her account, the nightmare began shortly after she cleared the initial immigration check.

An airport official reportedly singled her out, and after taking her back to the immigration desk, declared her passport “not valid” because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her place of birth. When she questioned the validity of her official Indian passport, she claims the officials unequivocally stated, “Arunachal is a part of China. Your passport is invalid.“

An Ordeal of Detention and Harassment

What followed was a protracted detention period marked by distress and alleged harassment. Thongdok stated that for the entire 18 hours, she was prevented from boarding her onward flight to Japan, her passport was withheld, and she was denied access to clear information, proper food, or airport facilities.

Adding to the humiliation, she alleged that several immigration personnel and staff from China Eastern Airlines openly mocked and laughed at her, with some even suggesting she should apply for a Chinese passport. She also claimed she was pressured to buy a new ticket exclusively on China Eastern, with the implication that her passport would only be returned upon doing so. This was particularly frustrating as she had reportedly transited through Shanghai without incident last year and had even checked with the Chinese Embassy in London beforehand.

Indian Consulate Intervention

The long ordeal finally ended after Thongdok managed to reach out to the Indian Consulate in Shanghai through a friend in the UK. Indian officials intervened, and she was eventually escorted to a late-night departure from the Chinese city. She faced significant financial losses due to the missed flights and non-refundable hotel bookings.

Call for Diplomatic Action

Following her return, Pema Wangjom Thongdok has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior Indian officials. In her letter, she described the treatment as a “direct insult to India’s sovereignty” and to the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh.

The incident underscores the geopolitical tensions between India and China, particularly concerning Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as ‘Zangnan’ or South Tibet. India firmly rejects this claim, maintaining that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. Thongdok has urged the Centre to raise the issue with Beijing, seek disciplinary action against the personnel involved, and ensure compensation for the losses she incurred. She has also called for assurances that Indians from Arunachal Pradesh will not face similar obstacles during international travel in the future.

This incident is viewed as a significant diplomatic concern, raising questions about China’s treatment of Indian citizens during transit, particularly those from the disputed border region.