US base in Okinawa to bar BYD EVs
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
US military personnel in Japan are reportedly preparing to block electric vehicles made by Chinese automaker BYD from entering Kadena Air Base in Okinawa from Monday, October 26. According to officials cited in the reports, the concern is that cameras and sensors installed in the vehicles could gather and leak sensitive information related to base security. The restriction is said to apply not only to base personnel but also to contractors, commercial operators and taxis using BYD vehicles. The development comes after the US Department of Defense in June added BYD to a list of Chinese companies it says assist the People's Liberation Army.
Key Points
- A report carried on Friday, October 23 said US forces in Japan would start barring BYD electric vehicles from Kadena Air Base on Monday, October 26.
- US military officials in Japan were cited as saying the decision was driven by security concerns over onboard cameras and sensors in BYD vehicles.
- The reported ban covers vehicles used by base personnel, contractors, commercial entities and taxis seeking to enter the Okinawa installation.
- Kadena Air Base is located in Okinawa, and the reported restriction specifically concerns access to that US air base in Japan.
- In June, the Pentagon added BYD, Alibaba and Baidu to a list of Chinese companies identified as assisting the People's Liberation Army.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the reported move adds to scrutiny of Chinese-made connected vehicles in sensitive overseas locations and may affect how security risks around onboard data collection are discussed. It also shows how US national security measures can extend beyond telecoms and chips to consumer electric vehicles and access control at military facilities.