The US military will bar vehicles made by Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD from Kadena Air Base in Japan, citing security risks to personnel and operations, Reuters reported.
Located in Okinawa, the base is a major hub for US air operations along Japan’s southwestern island chain bordering the East China Sea.
Base spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alli Stormer said the vehicles posed risks that could not be adequately addressed.
In June, the Pentagon placed BYD on a list of companies it considers linked to China’s military, alongside automaker NIO, technology firm Baidu, and e-commerce group Alibaba.
BYD rejected the designation and said it would challenge the decision through administrative and legal channels.
After overtaking Tesla as the world’s largest seller of battery-electric vehicles last year, BYD is expanding overseas, launching its Racco electric minicar in Japan in July to gain a foothold in a market dominated by domestic brands.
Wider US-China Security Concerns
The Kadena ban adds to US measures addressing perceived security risks linked to Chinese companies and supply chains.
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump tightened requirements for defense contractors seeking exemptions to purchase critical minerals and other sensitive materials from China.
Washington is also investigating allegations that Beijing and Moscow provided targeting intelligence to Iran in connection with recent attacks on US military bases.
Trump has warned both countries against supplying weapons to Tehran.
Security concerns over vehicle technology have also prompted restrictions in China.
According to Reuters, Beijing lifted restrictions on Tesla vehicles at some government compounds in 2024 following an endorsement from China’s leading automotive industry association.
The restrictions had been introduced in 2021 over concerns about the cars’ onboard cameras.