The US military has banned vehicles made by Chinese automaker BYD from Kadena Air Base in Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture over security concerns.

Axar.az reports, citing the Japan Times, that the restriction took effect on Monday and currently applies only to Kadena, one of the largest US Air Force installations in the region.

US Forces Japan spokesperson Col. John Severns said installation commanders could introduce security measures to protect personnel, facilities and military missions.

“Installation commanders are responsible for protecting their people, facilities, and assigned missions and may implement lawful, risk-informed security measures necessary to mitigate credible threats,” Severns said.

The move comes amid growing concerns in Western countries that smart vehicles manufactured by Chinese companies could be used to collect sensitive information through GPS, microphones, cameras and other connected systems.

In June, the Pentagon added BYD to a blacklist of 188 Chinese military companies, barring direct procurement or contracting with the listed firms.

It remains unclear whether the vehicle ban will be extended to other US military bases in Japan.

Kadena is a key hub for US military operations in the region and is currently storing the Typhon midrange missile system, which was deployed for joint military exercises earlier this year.