The Japanese government is considering passing a law to make it easier for it to participate in United Nations-led inspections of cargos going in and out of North Korea, Taro Aso, foreign minister, said on Sunday.

Speaking on Fuji TV, Mr Aso said Tokyo might also respond to North Korea’s claimed nuclear test by using for the first time a seven-year-old emergency that would allow it to provide support to US forces if security in the areas surrounding Japan was under threat.