US bans BYD vehicles at its base in Japan due to security concerns

The US armed forces have banned electric vehicles produced by Chinese automaker BYD from entering Kadena Air Base in Japan for security reasons. According to reports from the South Korea-based Yonhap news agency, the ban was implemented due to concerns that the cameras and sensors inside the vehicles could collect and leak sensitive information within the base.

The ban, which will be implemented at Kadena Air Base located in Okinawa, will take effect starting Monday. The restriction will apply comprehensively to all vehicles, including base personnel, contractors, commercial entities, and taxis.

In June, the US administration blacklisted BYD alongside Alibaba, Baidu, and NIO on the grounds that they support the Chinese military. This development is considered part of Washington's security-focused restrictions targeting Chinese technology companies.