A number of Japanese media outlets say Japan is seeking a special law that will allow the country to unilaterally inspect the cargo of North Korean ships in international waters.

The Yomiuri Shimbun and Asahi Shimbun cited Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso as announcing the plan in a parliament plenary session Thursday.

Aso assured the special law will be passed during the current session of the Japanese Diet.

Under the law, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force would be able to assess itself whether or not to inspect North Korean cargo ships in both Japanese and international waters.

Japan's existing ship inspection law allows foreign ships to be searched only when the country has been attacked or in a contingency situation.