The controversy began when an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was held up for 18 hours during transit at Shanghai airport after Chinese authorities reportedly refused to recognise Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory.
Beijing later defended the action as a “routine check,” with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterating China’s long-standing claim that “Zangnan is China’s territory” and denying any detention or harassment.
India firmly rejected the stance on November 26, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserting that Arunachal Pradesh “is an integral and inalienable part of India,” stressing that no amount of Chinese denial can change that “indisputable reality.”
A week after the India-China exchange, Pakistan has unexpectedly stepped into the dispute. In a December 5 statement, its Foreign Office spokesperson expressed support for China’s position, claiming Islamabad “reiterates its consistent support for China on matters concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The comment, unrelated to Pakistan and viewed as an unnecessary provocation, has drawn attention for adding fuel to an already sensitive issue.
Pakistan’s latest statement is only going to increase the tensions between India and Pakistan.
