India Criticises China's Actions Amid Arunachal Pradesh Dispute

NEW DELHI: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has denounced recent actions by China as "most unhelpful" in fostering mutual trust between the two nations. This statement follows the detention of Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Chinese authorities declared her Indian passport invalid, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is part of Chinese territory.

During a media briefing on Wednesday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the incident, emphasising that such arbitrary actions do not contribute positively to the efforts of both countries to normalise relations. "Arbitrary actions by China involving an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh are most unhelpful towards efforts being made by both sides to build mutual trust and understanding," he stated.

Prema Wangjom Thongdok was travelling from the United Kingdom to Japan when she encountered difficulties during what was intended to be a three-hour layover on November 21. She reported being detained for 18 hours, during which she claimed her passport was deemed invalid because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. Thongdok recounted that an airport official shouted her name and singled her out, insisting her passport was not valid due to the region's disputed status.

In a video interview, she explained, "I had actually gone past the immigration gate... One of the officials came and started screaming, 'India! India!' with my name and singled me out." She further recounted that she was pressured by airport authorities to purchase a new ticket to leave, which led to financial losses from missed flights and hotel reservations.

The MEA reiterated its position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and dismissed China's claims over the territory. This assertion aligns with India's longstanding rejection of Chinese territorial claims in the region. The situation escalated as Chinese officials refuted allegations of harassment, stating that Thongdok was not subjected to any compulsory measures.

A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, claimed that all procedures were conducted in accordance with laws and regulations, and described the measures taken as lawful and non-abusive. "Zangnan is China’s territory. China never acknowledged the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India," she asserted.

This incident comes amid a backdrop of historical tensions between India and China over Arunachal Pradesh, a region China claims as part of southern Tibet. The border dispute has roots in the British colonial era, particularly concerning the McMahon Line established in 1914 during the Simla Convention, which China has never recognised.

Despite recent diplomatic efforts to thaw relations, including a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the underlying issues remain unresolved. Analysts suggest that while there has been some progress in bilateral discussions, both nations continue to view each other as strategic rivals.

In response to the incident, the Indian government has lodged a formal protest with China, demanding an explanation for the actions taken against Thongdok, which they argue violate international travel conventions. Jaiswal stated, "The issue of the detention has been taken up strongly with the Chinese side. Chinese authorities have still not been able to explain their actions, which are in violation of several conventions governing international air travel."

The ongoing tensions over Arunachal Pradesh serve as a reminder of the complexities in India-China relations, particularly as both nations navigate their interests in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. As the situation develops, further diplomatic engagements will be crucial in addressing these longstanding disputes and fostering a more stable relationship between the two populous nations.