China’s claim to Indian territoryBy Dorjee Phunchu DinglowIn a stark reminder of China’s persistent territorial overreach, Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a woman from Arunachal Pradesh holding an Indian passport, was detained for 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong Airport on Nov. 24 last year. This incident is not isolated, but part of a pattern where China uses border disputes to assert dominance, denying Arunachalis their Indian identity. The area, once called the North-East Frontier Agency, became a union territory in 1972 and a full state in 1987. China’s claim on Arunachal Pradesh stems from a mix of strategic, resource and ideological motives. His sacrifice, untainted by any Chinese influence, is commemorated through memorials, bridges and tournaments named in his honor across Arunachal Pradesh.

Source: Taipei Times February 08, 2026 17:22 UTC