US Military Bans BYD Vehicles at Major Japan Airbase

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US Military Imposes Ban on BYD Vehicles in Japan

The United States military has barred vehicles manufactured by the Chinese electric vehicle company BYD from entering one of its largest overseas facilities, citing security concerns. The restrictions took effect this week at Kadena airbase, located on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa.

According to the US military in Japan, the prohibition affects all BYD automobiles. This includes privately owned cars, as well as delivery vehicles and taxis seeking entry to the base. Security personnel stationed at the facility's gates have received instructions to block these vehicles and direct drivers away from the premises.

Lieutenant Colonel Alli Stormer, a spokesperson for the US air force 18th Wing at Kadena, described the decision in an official statement. She noted that these vehicles present an unmitigable and unacceptable risk to personnel and operations at the installation.

Strategic Importance and Security Concerns

Kadena airbase serves as the largest US air force facility in East Asia. The strategic location maintains an inventory that includes fighter aircraft, surveillance planes, and mid-air refuelling assets. It also houses the Typhon missile system, capable of launching Tomahawk missiles over significant distances.

While officials have not disclosed a specific threat event, reports indicate the action stems from broader worries regarding information collection. Modern vehicles often feature cameras, GPS units, and advanced sensors capable of gathering sensitive data. This measure aligns with ongoing efforts by western governments to limit Chinese smart technology across various devices.

Wider Context and Blacklisting

The restriction follows a decision by the Pentagon in June to place BYD on a list of Chinese companies with alleged military ties, a designation that Beijing previously protested. The US Department of Defense has a history of implementing similar bans on Chinese technology, including worldwide prohibitions on Huawei and ZTE smartphones at military installations introduced in 2018.

Meanwhile, BYD has been growing its international footprint, entering markets such as Japan. The company has not issued an immediate public response regarding the new access restrictions implemented at the Okinawa airbase.

Source: US bans vehicles from China’s BYD at Japan military base, calling them ‘unacceptable’ risk