Can a Car Be a Security Risk? BYD's U.S. Air Base Ban Raises Questions

Imagine arriving at a military base, only to be turned away because of the car you're driving.

That's now the situation at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, where the U.S. military has banned vehicles made by Chinese automaker BYD over security concerns, effective 26 October 2026.

Why Has The U.S. Military Banned BYD Cars?

According to Reuters, Kadena Air Base spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alli Stormer described BYD vehicles as an unacceptable security risk to personnel and military operations.

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported concerns involving onboard cameras and sensors, with the restriction covering privately owned and commercial BYD vehicles seeking access to the base.

Could Connected Cars Really Pose A Security Risk?

Modern vehicles use cameras, GPS and connected software for navigation, parking assistance and other everyday functions. But at sensitive locations, data about movements or surrounding infrastructure could become a security concern if accessed or shared without authorisation.

Interestingly, BYD was among the manufacturers whose vehicles cleared China's automotive data-security assessment in 2025, alongside Chery.

However, passing that assessment does not establish compliance with the security requirements of a U.S. military installation. The two involve different authorities and assessment criteria.

BYD U.S. Air Base Ban: Frequently Asked Questions