Tensions between India and China have resurfaced after an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was allegedly detained and harassed for 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong Airport. The woman, Prema Wangjam Thongdok, was traveling from the UK to Japan when Chinese authorities questioned the validity of her Indian passport, claiming Arunachal Pradesh is part of China’s ‘South Tibet’. She was reportedly pressured to buy a new ticket and suffered financial losses before being released with help from the Indian consulate. China denied any wrongdoing, asserting it acted within its laws, while India reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory and accused China of violating international transit norms. The incident has reignited long-standing disputes over the McMahon Line and territorial claims dating back to colonial times. Analysts believe the episode may not severely impact bilateral relations, which had shown signs of stabilization since the 2020 Galwan clash, but mutual distrust remains entrenched.