Key Takeaways
- Indian woman detained 18+ hours at Shanghai airport over passport dispute
- Chinese authorities claimed her Indian passport was “invalid” due to Arunachal Pradesh birthplace
- Incident occurred during London-Japan transit on November 21, 2025
- Resolved after Indian Consulate intervention amid ongoing border tensions
Passport Declared Invalid Over Birthplace
An Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh faced over 18 hours of detention at Shanghai Pudong International Airport after Chinese authorities refused to recognize her valid Indian passport. Pem Wang Thongdok, currently residing in the UK, was told her travel document was “invalid” specifically because she was born in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Detention Ordeal
Thongdok described the distressing November 21, 2025 incident during her transit from London to Japan. China’s immigration officials and China Eastern Airlines personnel allegedly declared her Indian passport invalid and detained her for more than 18 hours. Officials reportedly questioned her passport’s legitimacy solely based on her Arunachal Pradesh birthplace – a region China claims as its territory.
Despite being an Indian citizen, her nationality was directly challenged due to her place of birth. She documented the ordeal through social media posts, tagging Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and media outlets seeking urgent intervention.
“Arunachal Is Part of China” Claim
According to her account, the confrontation occurred after she had cleared immigration and was waiting at security. An official allegedly approached her, shouted her nationality, and escorted her back to immigration counters where she was explicitly told: “Arunachal is part of China.”
She was prevented from boarding her connecting flight and reportedly pressured to purchase a new China Eastern ticket. The situation escalated until the Indian Consulate intervened, eventually securing her release from Shanghai.
Ongoing Border Tensions
This incident highlights the continuing between the two nations over Arunachal Pradesh. India consistently maintains the state as an integral part of its territory, while China refers to the region as “South Tibet” and continues its territorial claims.
