Key Takeaways
- The US military has banned BYD electric vehicles from Kadena Air Base in Japan.
- The ban begins on Monday at the base located on Okinawa island.
- BYD, the world’s largest battery-electric vehicle maker, is expanding in Japan.
The US military has announced a ban on vehicles manufactured by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) company BYD from Kadena Air Base in Japan, effective from Monday. The decision was made due to security concerns, according to a spokesperson.
Kadena Air Base, situated on Okinawa island, is a significant US military installation in Japan’s strategic southwest island chain, bordering the East China Sea.
Lieutenant Colonel Alli Stormer, the spokesperson for the base, stated, 'These vehicles present an unacceptable and unmitigable risk to our personnel and our mission.'
BYD, which surpassed Tesla as the world’s largest EV maker in 2025, is expanding its presence in Japan. The company launched its Racco electric minicar in the country in July, aiming to establish a foothold in a market dominated by domestic brands.
In June, the Pentagon designated BYD, alongside other Chinese companies, as entities supporting China’s military. BYD has rejected this designation and plans to pursue administrative and legal avenues to protect its interests.
China has previously imposed similar restrictions on Tesla vehicles. In 2021, Tesla was barred from some government compounds due to security concerns over cameras installed on its vehicles. However, this restriction was lifted in 2024 after Tesla received an endorsement from China’s top auto industry association.
BYD did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the ban.
The ban at Kadena Air Base is part of a broader security and strategic consideration by the US military in its operations in Japan.
These vehicles present an unacceptable and unmitigable risk to our personnel and our mission.
Lieutenant Colonel Alli Stormer, Spokesperson for Kadena Air Base
