Like, they don’t need this for spying. Have you seen surveillance satellite technology lately? Like, we’re down to sub-centimeters of spatial resolution and clear enough images for a picture of a person taken from outer freaking space to be recognized by humans and facial recognization alike.

Also, as far as I know there was never anything in the way of steering it right? So if they wanted intel on anything specific like a military base or a research/development institution, this is totally useless. Depending on how far away they released it they wouldn’t even be able to know if it would pass over the American continents, let alone any specific target, and if they released it really close to the US coast wouldn’t the US have found out by now? High atmosphere winds are so unpredictable that there’s a reason it’s the poster child for what is called a “chaotic system”.

Also also, do you think China’s stupid? What, they just didn’t think the US would find it hovering in their airspace eventually and trace it back to them? If this was how they spy on other countries, then they’re so comedically bad at it that they post no threat to anyone, yet China’s supposed to be this super spying powerhouse? And then as soon as news broke out they just proceeded to acknowledge it was theirs? You’re allowed to lie and deflect in espionage. It’s a thing.

An interesting point to consider is that US shooting the balloon down sets the precedent that China can use to shoot down any US aircraft in their airspace under the same pretext.

Notably, Taiwan is part of Chinese airspace as well. This is the position held by the UN, and it’s the fundamental basis for having diplomatic relations between US and China per Potsdam Proclamation that was signed 77 years ago between China, the US & the UK. US state department website makes this crystal clear as well:

The United States approach to Taiwan has remained consistent across decades and administrations. The United States has a longstanding one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances. We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side; we do not support Taiwan independence; and we expect cross-Strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means.

I don’t think China should be more cautious just because the US is being melodramatic. The article tries to end with a conciliatory conclusion, but China shouldn’t voluntarily concede ground to appease an irrational response.

Too many other countries and domestic politicals have made that mistake. The US will not be appeased. If you give ground they will strengthen their position against you while demanding further appeasements.

Another interesting quote :

If the United States wants to be certain about its purpose, it should shoot the balloon down and see what is in the sensor package.

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