China Imposes Export Controls on Tunnel Boring Machines, Sparking 'Covert Trade War' Concerns

China's Ministry of Commerce has announced new export controls on tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and related items, citing national security interests. The restrictions apply to 'sensitive countries' and regions with which China has disputes. An Indian expert has described this move as a 'covert trade war,' suggesting it could inflict a 'double whammy' by restricting access to critical components and finished products, particularly impacting countries like India that share a disputed border with China.