Not sure what kind of surveillance this was doing but seems odd they would not just pretend not to detect it and give it misleading data?

Instead: Hey China! Want your balloon back?! https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/suspected-chinese-spy-balloon-found-northern-us-rcna68879 #surveillance #spy #balloon #china

“The #balloon is currently travelling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a #military or physical threat to people on the ground,” Ryder said.

“We are confident that this high-altitude #surveillanceballoon belongs to the #PRC #China... Instances of this activity have been observed over the past several years, including prior to this administration.” #espionage

Easier to have a rummage round #Trump, #Biden & #Pence's prems

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/china-spy-balloon-us-military-b2274895.html