US bans vehicles from China’s BYD at Japan military base, calling them ‘unacceptable’ risk
Summary
The U.S. military has banned all BYD vehicles from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, citing security risks to personnel and operations. Officials have not identified a specific threat, but the decision reflects broader concerns that vehicle cameras, sensors and GPS systems could expose sensitive information.Key Facts
- The ban took effect this week at Kadena Air Base, a major U.S. Air Force base on Okinawa.
- The restriction covers privately owned BYD cars as well as taxis and delivery vehicles, according to reports.
- Security staff at the base’s gates have been told to turn away BYD vehicles.
- Kadena hosts fighter aircraft, refuelling and surveillance aircraft, and the Typhon missile system.
- The Pentagon added BYD to a list of 188 Chinese companies it believes have ties to China’s military.
- The U.S. banned sales and use of Huawei and ZTE smartphones at military bases worldwide in 2018, citing security concerns.
- China restricted Tesla vehicles from some government compounds in 2021 over concerns about their cameras, then removed the restriction in 2024.
- BYD became the world’s largest seller of battery-electric vehicles in 2025 and has been expanding in Japan.
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