A government panel will urge Japan to allow its military to help allies that come under attack, in a major reversal of the country's ban on collective defense under its pacifist constitution.

The panel this week discussed ways that Japan can improve its defense capability and said it will present its near-final draft recommendation in coming weeks. Government officials say the panel's final report is expected in April.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants Japan to play a greater role in international peacekeeping and step up its defense posture, citing potential military threats from China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.