Chinese authorities torture Indian woman for 18 hours, claiming Arunachal Pradesh is “part of China”

Arunachal Pradesh is unquestionably an integral part of India – Government of India

Shanghai (China) – Chinese passport authorities subjected Pema Wang Thongdok, a resident of Arunachal Pradesh, to severe harassment, detaining her for 18 hours. Questioning her nationality, officials said, “How can you hold an Indian passport when your address is in Arunachal Pradesh ?” and attempted to declare her passport invalid.

Pema narrated her ordeal on ‘X’, stating, “Officials at Shanghai Airport invalidated my passport. Citing the line that I was born in Arunachal Pradesh, they insisted that ‘Arunachal Pradesh is part of China’, and therefore my passport was not valid. They then detained me for 18 hours.”

🚨 China’s Intimidation Exposed

Beijing detained & harassed an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh for 18 hours at Shanghai Airport – yet again pushing its false territorial claims.

🇮🇳 India’s response was firm & unambiguous:
Arunachal Pradesh is INDIA – always has been, always… pic.twitter.com/DGggHgl3vO

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) November 25, 2025

India responded firmly, warning China, “Do not remain under any illusion. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.” India reminded China of the Chicago Convention 1944 and the Montreal Convention 1999 related to civil aviation, pointing out that China’s actions constitute violations of both these international agreements.

Pema currently resides in London and was travelling from London to Japan. Her flight had a stopover in Shanghai for a few hours, during which this incident took place.

Editorial Perspectives

It is no longer enough for India to issue stern warnings to China. To counter China’s false narrative at the global level, India should invite foreign Presidents and Prime Ministers to Arunachal Pradesh. India must repeatedly and unequivocally affirm on every international platform that “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India”.

Moreover, both Indian and international media should be briefed and encouraged to let the world know the truth about the State to expose the misleading claims of China.