U.S. military bans Chinese BYD cars from entering Kadena base due to possible search of vehicle lenses and sensors

On the 23rd, the US military announced a ban on vehicles manufactured by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD (BYD) from entering Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, citing security risks.

Reuters quoted Yonhap News Agency on the 23rd as reporting that this measure is scheduled to take effect on the 26th and will deny BYD vehicles entry into the base. The ban applies to BYD vehicles used by base personnel, contractors, commercial units and taxis, all of which are subject to this measure, "without exception." "These vehicles pose an unacceptable and irreducible risk to our personnel and mission," Air Force Lt. Col. Alli Stormer, a base spokesperson, told Reuters.

Stormer did not say what specific safety concerns prompted base commanders to take this measure against the Chinese electric vehicle company. However, Yonhap News Agency quoted an official from the US military stationed in Japan as saying that this security concern stems from the cameras and sensors mounted on these vehicles. The US believes that these devices may collect sensitive information related to security in the base and leak the information.

Kadena Air Base is an important air combat hub for the U.S. military in Japan. The Korea Times reported that the base is an important regional defense base for the U.S. military to respond to security threats from China, Russia and North Korea. After the ban was announced at Kadena Base, there was speculation that it might be extended to other major U.S. military bases in Japan and even the U.S. military stationed in South Korea. However, the USFK stated that the current vehicle entry and exit policy at the base has not changed.

BYD has not yet responded to the incident. In June this year, the U.S. Department of Defense added BYD, along with companies such as Alibaba, Baidu and NIO, to the list of companies assisting the Chinese military. BYD denied this determination and said it would safeguard its rights and interests through administrative and legal channels.