Japan's Cabinet on Tuesday approved tightening inspections of third-country cargo ships entering North Korea, aiming to prevent potential diversion of items for use in its weapons program.

"Given recent provocations by North Korea, it is important to reduce the inflow of materials, technology and foreign currencies in order to thwart North Korea's nuclear and missile development," Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said at a press conference.

The measure is in line with a sanctions resolution adopted in March 2016 by the U.N. Security Council. It is believed that some electronic home appliances have been diverted for use in military applications in North Korea.

The U.N. resolution includes a binding "catch all" provision against supplies of any kind that could add to Pyongyang's military capabilities, including dual-use items that can be modified for military purposes.

Currently, the Japanese government maintains a list of items that could be linked with nuclear and missile development and the Japan Coast Guard inspects ships that might be carrying such items.

An ordinance expected to come into force in mid-July will empower the Coast Guard to inspect ships and seize suspected items, even those not included on the government inspection list, if it concludes items may be diverted for use by North Korea's military.

Japan has no diplomatic relations with North Korea.