Prime Minister Shinzo Abe believes the time is right to boost its military stance to face China as Japan plans to ease its post-World War II military restrictions.

While it is met with mixed reactions, the announcement of the Cabinet's decision came last month much to the delight of the United States.

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With these developments, experts believe that Japan is making the sensible response to the changing environment in the Asia-Pacific region.

Last week, Japanese government officials welcomed Pentagon's No. 2 Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work to talk about updating the U.S.-Japan alliance.

The agenda of the meeting centered on the two nations' bilateral efforts to boost the alliance and maintain peace in the region, according to reports.

Former diplomat and expert Alan Romberg said it is mainly to assist the U.S. when a crisis arises in the Asia-Pacific region, citing North Korea's provocations.

But everyone knows that the alliance cites China's exertion of power in the region. The tension with its close neighbor South Korea is also one reason, experts said.

However, with Abe's decision comes the risk of sending wrong signals to its neighbors, particularly China.

China's official news agency Xinhua said that Japan's decision is a "brutal violation" of its pacifist constitution.

In addition, Abe's rivals fear that Japan's World War II military stance might be revived.

Anti-war Japanese citizens also reacted negatively to Abe's plan. One protester even set himself on fire.

The officials were aware that Abe's plan and the alliance will be met with criticisms.

To this, Work said, "I think 10 years from now, people will look back to this very time and say this was one of the signature things that allowed peace and prosperity and a secure Asia-Pacific region to grow and thrive"

But before Abe could pursue the plan, Japan's parliament must approve new laws to authorize certain military actions.

He also needs to get enough votes from his officials.

TagsNorth Korea, Asia Pacific, World War II