Japan Blocks Chinese Battery Giants CATL and BYD Over Cyber Fears in $110 Billion Energy Shift
Japan has denied cybersecurity approval to Chinese battery manufacturers CATL and BYD, blocking their products from use in sensitive government and infrastructure projects, in a move that could slow the country’s renewable energy transition [186074].
The Japanese government requires all equipment used in critical sectors—such as power grids and data centers—to pass a cybersecurity review [186074]. Officials cited unspecified risks of data leakage or remote manipulation as reasons for the rejections, which target two of the world’s largest battery producers [186074]. The decision follows similar restrictions by the United States and Europe on Chinese technology firms [186074].
Japan’s trade ministry stated the decision was based on national security, not trade policy [186074]. The affected Chinese companies have not publicly commented [186074]. Analysts say the ban could slow Japan’s shift to renewable energy, as Chinese batteries are widely used in solar and wind power storage [186074]. Meanwhile, the British government has separately announced it may intervene to block Paramount Skydance’s $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, citing concerns over market competition and national interests [185637]. No date for a final decision on that deal has been announced [185637].