The US military bans BYD vehicles from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, citing security concerns, according to reports. Korea’s Yonhap news agency reports the measure follows Washington’s inclusion of BYD on a list of enterprises it believes support China’s military.
The reported concern centers on cameras and sensors mounted on BYD vehicles that US personnel believe could collect and leak sensitive information from the base. Yonhap reports the ban applies from Monday and affects vehicles used by base personnel, contractors, commercial entities and taxis. BYD did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and US military officials in Japan were not immediately available for confirmation.
Additional coverage notes uncertainty around whether the restriction extends beyond Kadena. Korea Times says U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) indicates there have been no changes to its entry-restriction policies for Chinese vehicles, even as speculation exists about possible expansion to other bases.
