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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />The UNC can ask the sending states for contributions.<br />But the ministry said there have been no discussions with the U.S. or any consideration of adding Japan as a member.<br />
