TOKYO, Oct. 23 -- The Japanese government is mulling to use its official development assistance (ODA) to help beef up foreign militaries in non-combat operations, including disaster relief and coast guard activities, local media reported Thursday, citing an aid charter draft.

The revision of the charter was the first time since 2003 and the draft would lift the ban on assisting foreign forces through ODA funds, according to Japan's Kyodo News.

The draft says the government will consider individual programs concerning the assistance of foreign military forces case by case, but adding that it will also take into account the significance of allowing such aid.

Japan's ODA primarily targets infrastructure building and poverty reduction in recipient countries, said Kyodo.

Since Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe returned to office late December 2012, Japan's defense stance has changed dramatically as it has relaxed restrictions on weapons export and lifted ban on allowing the Self-Defense Forces to engage fights outside Japan.