U.S. Air Force bars Chinese BYD cars from Okinawa base over security fears

U.S. Air Force officials announced that all BYD brand vehicles are now barred from entering Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, warning that the cars pose an “unacceptable and unmitigable” security threat. Public-affairs chief Lt. Col. Alli Stormer explained that the concern centers on the possibility of data leakage via the cars’ onboard cameras and sensors. Kadena, a pivotal site for U.S. operations aimed at countering China, Russia and North Korea, will enforce the ban immediately.

The decision aligns with a recent Defense Department action that placed BYD on a list of companies tied to the Chinese military, a designation that prompted a formal objection from China’s Commerce Ministry. Officials indicated similar restrictions could be considered for U.S. bases in South Korea and other locations.