Arbitrary actions by China ‘most unhelpful’ to ties: MEA

Days after Chinese officials detained an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai international airport, Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said, “arbitrary actions” by China are “most unhelpful” in nurturing “people-centric” initiatives. Mr. Jaiswal further said that “peace and tranquillity” on the India-China border is the “prerequisite” for the development of ties.

Mr. Jaiswal’s remarks came a day after the MEA said a “strong demarche” was sent to the Chinese side soon after the detention of the Indian citizen, Pema Wang Thongdok, became known.

“Arbitrary actions by China as I referred to involving an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh are most unhelpful towards efforts being made by both sides to build mutual trust and understanding and gradually move towards normalisation of bilateral relations,” said Mr. Jaiswal.

Mr. Jaiswal emphasised that Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part of India and this is a fact that is self evident. No amount of denial by the Chinese side will change this indisputable reality.”

Held for 18 hours

Ms. Thongdok had announced on social media on Sunday (November 23, 2025) that she was detained in Shanghai airport: “I was held at Shanghai airport for over 18 hours on 21st Nov, 2025 over claims by China immigration & @chinaeasternair that my Indian passport was invalid as my birthplace is Arunachal Pradesh, which they claimed is Chinese territory.”

On Wednesday Mr. Jaiswal said, “Maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border regions is a prerequisite for the continued and overall development of India-China bilateral relations. Our position in this regard has always been very clear and consistent. Since October 2024, both sides have worked closely to maintain peace and tranquility in the border regions.”

China Eastern Airlines started its Shanghai-Delhi service on November 9, 2025, after the Indian and Chinese leadership met on August 31, 2025 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s summit in Tianjin. This led to the reviving of air connectivity after a gap of five years. The two sides have taken a number of people-centric initiatives since Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India from August 18 to 19 when the two sides resolved to start border trade through the mountain passes. This was followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tianjin, when both sides agreed to restart “direct flights and visa facilitation” and issue “tourist visas.”