China probably got all the data they needed from it and Ok’d the destruction to allow Joe to save face. They will saber rattle to make for a good show to the unwashed and the press will go hard on covering for Joe. It’s all a scam.
You nailed it.
The excuse not to shoot it down over land because it might hurt or kill somebody was total BS which played into the emotions of the touchy-feely sheep. It sure gave the Chinese time to accomplish their mission.