An Indian woman of Arunachal Pradesh origin, currently living in the United Kingdom, has shared a message of unity after her brief detention at Shanghai airport led to a tense diplomatic exchange between India and China. Prema Wangjom Thongdok expressed gratitude for the support she received and clarified that her limited social media activity stems from her demanding senior position in the financial sector.
Thongdok, originally from Rupa in Arunachal Pradesh&rsquo;s West Kameng district, also dismissed online criticism, stating that she had no intention of engaging with trolls. She emphasised that any steps taken by the Indian government would benefit citizens in India and in her home state, reinforcing the nation's unity.
The incident occurred on November 21 during her journey from London to Japan, when she had a three-hour transit stop in Shanghai. During security screening, she was separated from other passengers and taken to immigration authorities. According to her account, officials questioned her Indian identity, refused to accept her place of origin, and confiscated her passport. She was subsequently prevented from boarding her connecting flight despite holding a valid Japanese visa.
Thongdok contacted Indian embassies in Shanghai and Beijing, after which Indian officials intervened, assisted her through the process, and facilitated her departure from China following an 18-hour ordeal.
India later issued a strong diplomatic protest, and the Indian Consulate in Shanghai raised the matter with local authorities. China responded by denying any misconduct and restated its territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh. India firmly rejected this stance, reiterating that the state is an integral part of the country.
The episode has added another layer to the ongoing tensions between the two nations over border and identity issues.

Arunachal-born UK resident’s detention in Shanghai triggers sharp diplomatic exchange

Indian Woman’s Detention Sparks China Row

Arunachal-born UK resident’s detention in Shanghai triggers sharp diplomatic exchange

November 26, 2025 | 15:33 IST