US to ban Chinese BYD electric vehicles from military base in Japan: Report
- Ban comes amid concerns that onboard cameras and sensors could expose sensitive military information
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- Ban comes amid concerns that onboard cameras and sensors could expose sensitive military information
By Berk Kutay Gokmen
ISTANBUL (AA) – The US military will ban Chinese automaker BYD’s electric vehicles from entering a major air base in Japan, citing concerns that onboard cameras and sensors could expose sensitive military information, South Korea-based Yonhap News reported Friday.
The ban at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa takes effect on Oct. 26, with security personnel instructed to turn away all BYD vehicles, including private cars, taxis, delivery vehicles and contractor vehicles.
Located at the southernmost and westernmost prefecture of Japan, Okinawa, Kadena is a key US military hub in the Asia-Pacific, hosting aircraft, radar systems and ammunition, and playing a central role in regional security operations.
The move follows the US Defense Department’s decision in June to include BYD among Chinese companies it believes are supporting China’s military.
Washington has raised concerns that connected vehicles could collect information through cameras and sensors and potentially transmit it remotely.
South Korea and Japan are important US military allies in East Asia, hosting around 39,000 and 50,000 American troops, respectively.
The restriction could eventually extend to other US military installations in Japan and South Korea, according to the report.
Berk Kutay Gökmen