South Korea's defense ministry has rejected new speculation that Japan and Germany might get involved militarily if an armed conflict were to break out on the Korean Peninsula.
That speculation Thursday was reportedly based on government sources saying UN Command wants to increase its role in the region using troops and equipment from rear bases in Japan.
The South Korean ministry's deputy spokesperson said, however, that if Japan or any country hopes to participate as a "sending state" of the United Nations Command... they have to get approval from South Korea.
The UNC can ask the sending states for contributions.
But the ministry said there have been no discussions with the U.S. or any consideration of adding Japan as a member.