Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says U.S. troops stationed in Japan would need Tokyo's
prior approval before engaging in a combat situation should an emergency arise on the
Korean peninsula.
The Japanese leader was speaking in parliament on Tuesday.
Prior approval is needed under the Tokyo-Washington security pact when dispatching U.S. troops
for combat.
Abe also defended his controversial push to expand his country's military role saying
it is limited in scope.
He said Tokyo would require a formal constitutional amendment to engage in collective self-defense
similar to that of other countries.