US Military Bans BYD Vehicles at Kadena Air Base

The United States Air Force 18th Wing banned all vehicles manufactured by Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD at Kadena Air Base on the island of Okinawa, Japan. The restriction, which took effect the week of October 27, 2026, applies to delivery vehicles, taxis, and privately owned cars.

Air Force officials stated the vehicles present an "unacceptable and unmitigable risk" to personnel and missions. The military cited concerns that GPS devices, sensors, and vehicle-mounted cameras could be used to collect sensitive information. Kadena is the largest U.S. Air Force base in East Asia and houses critical assets, including the Typhon missile system.

This action follows a June decision by the Pentagon to add BYD to a list of Chinese firms believed to have ties to the Chinese military. The move mirrors previous U.S. restrictions on Chinese technology and similar restrictions China previously imposed on Tesla vehicles.