Beijing on Tuesday denied claims that it “detained or harassed” a resident from the disputed India-China border region at Shanghai airport, while reaffirming its claim over Arunachal Pradesh, which China refers to as Zangnan.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said, “Zangnan is China’s territory. The Chinese side has never recognised the so-called ‘Arunachal Pradesh’ illegally established by India.”

The comments follow claims by Pema Wang Thongdok that she was held for 18 hours by Chinese immigration officials on 21 November after her passport was deemed “invalid” because her birthplace was listed as Arunachal Pradesh.

Mao added, “China’s border inspection authorities carried out checks in accordance with laws and regulations. Law enforcement was impartial and non-abusive, the lawful rights and interests of the individual were fully protected, no compulsory measures were taken, and there was no so-called ‘detaining’ or ‘harassing’.”

She also noted that border checks are standard practice for countries worldwide.

India expressed concern over the “arbitrary detention” of a citizen from Arunachal Pradesh holding a valid passport.

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Shri Randhir Jaiswal said, “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. No denial by China can alter this indisputable fact.”

Jaiswal added that the matter had been raised firmly with Chinese authorities, who have yet to explain actions that violate international air travel conventions and China’s own transit regulations.

India and China maintain counterclaims over Arunachal Pradesh.

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