Detention of Indian Citizen Triggers Strains in China–India Ties
The diplomatic friction centers on the detention of Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen born in the northeastern border state of Arunachal Pradesh, a strategically sensitive region that Beijing claims as its own territory and refers to as 'Zangnan', meaning 'southern Tibet'.
During Wednesday's media briefing, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India and China have "worked closely to maintain peace and tranquility in the border regions," noting that significant progress "on people-centric engagements" has been achieved through diplomatic channels.
"Arbitrary actions by China, as the one that I refer to, involving an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, are most unhelpful towards efforts being made by both sides to build mutual trust and understanding and gradually move towards normalization of bilateral relations," Jaiswal added during his statement to reporters.
Thongdok revealed on Sunday that immigration authorities detained her for a grueling 18 hours without providing food while she was transiting through Shanghai en route to Japan, alleging harassment during the ordeal.
Thongdok stated that the Chinese authorities said her passport is "invalid," adding that she was only allowed to proceed from Shanghai after the Indian Consulate intervened through diplomatic channels to secure her release and continuation of travel.
India issued a formal démarche on Monday to China through diplomatic channels both in New Delhi and Beijing over the controversial detention incident.
China calls Arunachal Pradesh 'Zangnan', or 'southern Tibet', reflecting its longstanding territorial claim over the mountainous region.
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, "Zangnan is China's territory. The Chinese side has never recognized the so-called 'Arunachal Pradesh' illegally set up by India," maintaining Beijing's position on the disputed territory.
Mao denied that Thongdok was harassed in Shanghai, adding that "law enforcement was impartial and non-abusive," and that "the lawful rights and interests" of Thongdok were "fully protected." Mao noted that the airline "provided her with resting facilities and meals," contradicting the detained traveler's account.
China's ambassador in New Delhi, Xu Feihong, addressed the matter during a discussion on Wednesday. "The border issue is a very complex and very sensitive issue. It indeed takes time to resolve it," he said. "But I believe that China and India, as ancient civilizations, have sufficient wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and find a fair, reasonable and mutually-acceptable solution," the diplomat stated, offering a conciliatory tone.
The incident highlights the fragile nature of Sino-Indian relations despite recent attempts at diplomatic reconciliation following years of border tensions and military standoffs in the Himalayan region.
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