• Analysis
US bans BYD vehicles at Kadena airbase in Japan, citing 'unacceptable' security risk
The US military in Japan said on Tuesday that Kadena airbase in Okinawa has banned Chinese EV maker BYD's vehicles over security concerns, with a spokesperson calling them an unacceptable risk to personnel and the mission.
The US military in Japan said on Tuesday that the BYD vehicle ban is now in force at Kadena airbase on Okinawa, one of its largest overseas installations, over security concerns.
Lieut Col Alli Stormer, spokesperson for the US air force 18th Wing at Kadena, said Chinese electric vehicles present a danger to the base's people and its work.
A blanket ban at the gates
The ban took effect this week at the southern Japanese island base. It covers every vehicle made by the Chinese EV maker, with gate guards instructed to block them and turn drivers away.
- •Privately owned cars are barred, along with taxis
- •Delivery vehicles are also included
'Unacceptable and unmitigable risk'
Stormer framed the decision in stark terms.
"These vehicles present an unacceptable and unmitigable risk to our personnel and our mission."
Why Kadena matters
Kadena is the biggest US air force base in east Asia and would be directly involved in responding to any crisis involving China, Russia or North Korea. Its equipment includes the Typhon missile system, said to be able to fire Tomahawk missiles up to 1,600km, as well as fighters and mid-air refuelling, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.
Part of a wider pattern
American military officials have not identified a specific threat, but the ban fits broader US and western measures restricting Chinese smart technology in vehicles, phones and other devices. According to Yonhap news agency, the worry is potential information leaks through connected car cameras, GPS devices and sensors.
- •In June the Pentagon put BYD on a list of 188 Chinese firms it believes have ties to China's military, drawing a protest from Beijing; the list also names Nio, Alibaba and Baidu
- •In 2018 the US defence department banned the sale and use of Huawei and ZTE smartphones at military bases worldwide over security concerns
- •China itself barred Tesla vehicles from some government compounds in 2021 over camera security concerns, lifting the restriction in 2024 after Tesla won an endorsement from the country's top auto industry association
BYD has not responded publicly to the Kadena decision. The company overtook Tesla as the world's biggest seller of battery-electric vehicles in 2025 and is expanding overseas, including in Japan, where it launched its Racco electric minicar in July.
