US Air Force Bans BYD Cars From Okinawa Base Amid Security Concerns
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
The U.S. Air Force has banned BYD electric cars from its base in Okinawa, Japan, due to security concerns and suspected ties to China's military industries. This follows a report of Chinese rental cars recording troop movements during a Norwegian military exercise. The U.S. has blacklisted BYD, similar to other Chinese tech firms. In Israel, Chinese cars hold a significant market share, and the IDF previously banned them from its bases.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- US Air Force banned BYD cars from its Okinawa base over security risks.
- BYD is on a US blacklist, suspected of ties to China's military industries.
- Concerns stem from reports of Chinese cars recording troop movements during a Norwegian exercise.
- BYD cars are not sold in the US but are gaining traction in Japan and Israel.
- The IDF previously banned Chinese vehicles from entering its bases in Israel.
The U.S. Air Force has prohibited BYD vehicles from entering its base in Okinawa, Japan, citing security risks, according to Japanese media reports. BYD cars are not sold in the United States, so their access to U.S. bases there has not previously been an issue. However, BYD is on a U.S. blacklist, with the American government suspecting the electric car manufacturer of ties to China's military industries, similar to other Chinese firms like Baidu.
Personnel at the Okinawa base have been ordered to bar all BYD cars, whether owned by civilian employees or used as taxis. Lieutenant Colonel Eli Stormer stated that these vehicles pose an "unacceptable risk to our personnel and our missions."
This concern follows a recent incident in Norway where rented Chinese-made cars used in a military exercise were found to have recorded troop movements and access codes via their cameras. While cameras are common in modern vehicles, the primary worry is that data from Chinese cars could reach malicious actors.
In contrast to Japan, where Chinese vehicles are just beginning to enter the market, these cars hold nearly half of the Israeli market. Last year, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) banned Chinese vehicles from entering its bases.