Beijing: China on Tuesday denied allegations that an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was harassed at the Shanghai airport, saying the actions taken by Chinese immigration officials were in accordance with the law and regulations.
Pema Wangjom Thongdak, a UK-based Indian national who was travelling from London to Japan on November 21, said her three-hour wait turned into a shocking ordeal after immigration officials declared her passport “invalid” because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace.
Asked for her reaction to the challenge, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that she had not been subjected to any coercive measures, detention or harassment as alleged by the woman.
Mao said the airline had also provided the person concerned with a place to rest, drinks and food. "We understand that the Chinese border inspection authorities conducted the entire process in accordance with the law and regulations and fully protected the legitimate rights and interests of the person concerned," Mao said.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman also reiterated its claims to Arunachal Pradesh, which China calls 'Zhangnan' or 'South Tibet'. "Zhangnan is Chinese territory, and China has never recognized Arunachal Pradesh, which was illegally established by India, as part of India," he said.