U.S. Forces Japan has announced that, starting October 26, vehicles made by Chinese automaker BYD will be barred from entering Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, citing security concerns. The move follows earlier U.S. restrictions on the use of Chinese electronic devices at military bases and major military facilities, which were introduced to protect military secrets.
Korean media, citing a U.S. Forces Japan official, reported that the ban applies to all private vehicles, contractor vehicles, taxis, delivery trucks and commercial vehicles. The goal is to prevent sensitive information from the base from leaking through the cameras and sensors built into electric vehicles.
Internally, U.S. Forces Japan believes the measure could be extended to other major American bases in Japan, such as Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture, and possibly even to U.S. bases in South Korea.
Analysts say the restriction is intended to keep information about the various military operations conducted at Kadena from being exposed, including details about the U.S. Air Force fighter jets, transport aircraft, radar systems and munitions stationed there.
China’s Foreign Ministry has previously stated that Beijing firmly opposes what it describes as the U.S. overstretching the concept of national security and drawing up discriminatory lists to unjustly suppress Chinese companies. It has urged Washington to correct its approach, arguing that such discriminatory measures serve no party’s interests. The ministry said the United States should abide by market economy principles, stop interfering with normal economic and trade cooperation, and safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains. It added that China will take necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.
Source: Sputnik News, October 24, 2026
https://sputniknews.cn/20261024/1073767600.html