The counter intelligence value the US got from observing then shooting down the balloon, was most likely greater than the intelligence value the Chinese got from using them. When the US AF tracked the balloons, all US military assets below would change what they did to give away as little as possible. This means that the balloons would find little China did not already know, while revealing their intelligence gather methods, targets, and technology. It is frustrating to watch and exercise patience, the net gain still goes to the US.
>> The counter intelligence value the US got from observing then shooting down the balloon, was most likely greater than the intelligence value the Chinese got from using them. <<
Wow. Just wow. So they saw U.S. military installations close-up, got to spy on whatever they wanted, and we see what sort of camera and balloons they like to use?
So what happened to your old tagline?
In demonstrating US cowardice, how can you account for a “net gain.”?