In a strong diplomatic response, India has unequivocally told China that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, a fact that is self-evident and requires no external validation. This assertion follows remarks from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the detention of an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai airport.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson clarified that the individual, a resident of Arunachal Pradesh residing in the UK, was in transit to Japan when she was reportedly detained by Chinese immigration officials. Allegations include the invalidation of her Indian passport and verbal assertions by officials claiming Arunachal Pradesh as Chinese territory. The incident reportedly led to an 18-hour detention.
India has lodged formal protests with China concerning the incident, highlighting potential breaches of international transit norms. The Indian consulate in Shanghai was reportedly on-site to provide assistance. China’s Foreign Ministry has countered these claims, denying any harassment or detention and stating that standard procedures were applied. Beijing has also reiterated its long-standing territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as “Zangnan.”