India Registers Strong Protest with China
India has officially lodged a strong protest with the Chinese government following a distressing incident involving an Indian woman who was detained for 18 hours at the Shanghai airport. The woman, identified through social media as Thongdok, was held by Chinese immigration authorities who claimed her passport was invalid.
The Ordeal at Shanghai Airport
In a series of social media posts, Thongdok detailed her harrowing experience at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. She revealed that Chinese immigration officials detained her on the grounds that her Indian passport was 'invalid'. The sole reason cited for this invalidation was that her birthplace was listed as Arunachal Pradesh. This prolonged detention lasted for a total of 18 hours, causing significant distress.
Diplomatic Fallout and Firm Stance
The incident, which came to light on 24 November 2025, prompted an immediate diplomatic response from New Delhi. India's protest underscores its firm stance against the harassment of its citizens and reaffirms its position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of Indian territory. This event is the latest in a series of friction points between the two nations concerning the status of the northeastern Indian state.
The Indian government's action highlights its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all its citizens abroad, regardless of their origin within the country.
