If it's intentional, it makes sense that it would be meant to be spotted, and is to gauge how the US reacts, not at the governmental level (which can be predicted) but at the street level. The divisions can be played, and if you aren't American, are interesting to watch. The civil war of words and the partisan divides aren't just something US allies are nervously trying to factor into planning. Hostile powers like them a lot.
I doubt the data collected is from any balloon. It's from the internet, and from how much division can be observed. We live in interesting times with interesting neighbors. Everyone's doing military moves on each others' borders and empires, and they're all tests. A 'lost' balloon is a relatively inexpensive way to probe, and stir things up - a message after the Philippines moves the US just made.
What do they read if reports of dozens of balloons come out? If politicians start fighting? If they see signs they can manipulate public opinion their way? I'm not a Chinese or Russian intelligence officer (too busy with fish) but how the conspiracy world and the extremist world react to this visit is probably very valuable data.
As well, it'll play to the Chinese home gallery as almost a prank if they get a huge reaction. They have some crises domestically, and distractions are always good tactics.
We can only watch and try to listen to sanity. Don't buy any balloon mollies and don't tease puffers.
www.reuters.com
