Chinese G20 Delegation's 'Suspicious Bags' Led To 12-Hour Stand Off At Delhi Hotel: Report

Amid Delhi's anticipation of India's progress in pulling off a consensus at the G20 summit, a discreet yet tense situation was reportedly unfolding at a five-star hotel last week, leaving intelligence agencies in a quandary.

The incident began when security officers at Taj Palace, where the Chinese delegation was accommodated, on Thursday (7 September) noticed the unusually large size of their bags.

Although the security team had been instructed to facilitate the passage of "diplomatic baggage," the size of the bags was too peculiar to escape the vigilant eyes of the security personnel.

Nevertheless, diplomatic protocols mandated that the bags be allowed entry and so they were let in.

Once inside the room, a staff member reported the presence of some "suspicious equipment" in the bags.

A message was quickly sent to the superiors, who, after consultations, instructed the team to have the bags scanned.

This led to a tense standoff, as the Chinese team refused to have the bags and its contents checked.

The security personnel at the hotel were intrigued to learn that the Chinese delegation had requested a separate and 'private' internet connection, which the hotel declined.

After a 12-hour-long drama, the issue was resolved when the Chinese security agreed to remove the equipment from the hotel and have it sent to their embassy.

The Taj Palace security team confirmed that the Chinese security personnel resisted having their equipment checked, but the Indian security team stood their ground, Times of India reported citing sources.

“A three-member security team had to stand guard outside the room for around 12 hours before a Chinese security official reverted, saying they would have it sent to the embassy,” a source was quoted as saying by ToI.

Regarding the equipment, it is uncertain whether they were surveillance devices as they were not examined, top officials told ToI.

According to an intelligence official, such equipment is typically used for intercepting and jamming secure communication channels. However, the contents of the suitcases remain unknown.

It should be noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the G20 summit and instead sent Premier Li Qiang.

Interestingly, Li, whose arrival was announced at the last minute, did not travel on one of the usual ‘special aircraft’ meant for senior leaders.

To the surprise of Indian agencies, Li reportedly arrived on a chartered flight.