comment: >
  
  If they found anything in their airspace over mainland China, the amount of outrage and 'hurt feelings' would be insane. That's what spy satellites exist for, to get around that. Both sides have spy satellites.
context: So … why hasn’t it been shot down?!?  This is our airspace. >
  
  They are afraid of the damage it could do on the ground if shot >
  
  A balloon over Montana?  If you can’t shoot that down, you can’t shoot anything down. >
  
  That's the information I've got on the local news >
  
  Oh, I’m not doubting that’s the given explanation; just marveling at it. >
  
  Yea quite dumb to me as well >
  
  Next time China cries about US flights in South China Sea... Just imagine the shitstorm they would have if we did this. >
  
  
  Just imagine the shitstorm they would have if we did this.
  
  I see your point here, but I'd be shocked if the CIA and other international* agencies weren't doing the exact same thing. That's literally their job.