The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday urged China to ensure that Indian nationals travelling to or transiting through Chinese airports are not “selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained or harassed,” after a recent incident involving a woman from Arunachal Pradesh.
The traveller, who was en route to Japan, was stopped at Shanghai Airport weeks ago because Chinese authorities do not recognise Arunachal Pradesh as a legitimate Indian territory.
Responding to the controversy, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated Beijing’s position, saying China has “never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India” and referred to the region as “Zangnan,” which China claims as its own.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India expects China to respect international travel norms and provide clear assurances for Indian passengers.
He also advised citizens to exercise “due discretion” when travelling to or transiting through China. The briefing unusually took place on a Monday instead of the usual Wednesday.
