Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh residing in the United Kingdom, was traveling from London to Japan with a layover at Shanghai Pudong Airport on November 21, 2025. Upon arrival, Chinese immigration officials singled her out, declared her Indian passport invalid because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace, and repeatedly mocked her by stating that Arunachal Pradesh is part of China. Officials allegedly told her to apply for a Chinese passport and refused to let her proceed with her onward travel to Japan. The ordeal lasted nearly 18 hours, during which she was held in the transit area, denied proper assistance, and unable to contact her family or get clear information. Eventually, Indian diplomatic officials arrived at the airport, provided her food, intervened with Chinese authorities, and helped secure her release. She described the experience as humiliating and a direct insult to India’s sovereignty. China dismissed the allegations, insisting its checks were lawful and fair, reasserting its claim over Arunachal Pradesh as “Zangnan.” Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu condemned the incident as “unacceptable” and “appalling,” affirming Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India.
