Originally Posted by TIN MAN

Hmm, reading between those lines I can see the F-22 being "showcased" for the benefit of China with that deployment?
In terms of F-22 procurement requests by Japan, at present, as has been mentioned, it is currently illegal and violates FMS in the US. I think strategically, Japan can present a better case for an F-22 requirement than say, Australia, which doesn`t really face a local threat of any significance...

Japan being an ally, and throwing in of the "PRC threat" card could help sway opinion in the US? Maybe? I think Japan could eventually get its F-22, if they can stump up the cash, but not yet... I think more likely would the permanent basing of USAF F-22s in the region to address the PRC threat , as a token. This would keep the senate happy I suppose....