US military bans BYD vehicles from strategic air base in Japan
The US military will ban BYD vehicles from Kadena Air Base on Okinawa starting Monday, saying they pose a security risk to personnel and its mission.
1. Ban begins Monday
The US military said it will ban vehicles made by Chinese electric-vehicle maker BYD from Kadena Air Base on Japan’s Okinawa island, beginning Monday. Base spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alli Stormer said the vehicles present an “unacceptable and unmitigable risk” to personnel and the mission, but did not specify the concern.
2. BYD’s overseas expansion
BYD launched its Racco electric minicar in Japan in July as it seeks a foothold in a market dominated by domestic brands. The Pentagon designated BYD in June as a company it believes supports China’s military; BYD rejected the designation and said it would pursue administrative and legal avenues to protect its interests.
