US bans BYD from air base in Japan over security concern

SEOUL: The US armed forces have banned Chinese carmaker BYD's electric vehicles from an air base in Japan over security concerns, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Friday, after Washington added the company to a list of enterprises it believes are aiding China's military.

The concern stems from the use of cameras and sensors mounted on the vehicles, which the US believes could collect and leak sensitive security-related information from the base, Yonhap reported, citing US military officials stationed in Japan.

US military officials in Japan could not immediately be reached for confirmation.

BYD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kadena Air Base in Okinawa will turn away BYD cars starting on Monday, Yonhap reported. Vehicles used by base personnel, contractors, commercial entities and taxis will be affected without exception, the agency said.

In June, the US added BYD, e-commerce company Alibaba, internet company Baidu and automaker NIO to a list of companies it believes are aiding China's military.

Alibaba has since sued the US government. China's Foreign Ministry has protested that the list is discriminatory and unreasonable.