The U.S. State Department says it's possible to freeze North Korean assets held at overseas banks under current U.S. and international laws.

In a daily news briefing, Assistant Secretary of State Philip Crowley said the U.S. will always look for ways to pressure North Korea's government.

He said the North is always moving money and goods around and the U.S. is committed to implement existing U.N. Security Council resolutions to restrict North Korea's ability to proliferate technology and know-how on weapons of mass destruction.

Earlier reports by Japanese media said Washington is reviewing financial sanctions on Asian banks that manage North Korean assets as part of sanctions on the North for its sinking of the South Korean naval vessel Cheonan.